Penn State running back Saquon Barkley was named as the Big Ten Freshman of the Year, per the release.
Advertisement
Though some had pegged Penn State’s Carl Nassib as the front runner for the Big Ten’s defensive lineman of the year, the powers that be evidently knew better.
Austin Johnson, a junior defensive tackle, was honored with All-Big Ten accolades. Defensive tackle Adolphus Washington and punter Cameron Johnston made the second team.
Nassib is also a finalist for the Bednarik Award (nation’s to defensive player), Lombardi Award (nation’s top lineman or linebacker), Nagurski Trophy (nation’s top defensive player) and the Burlsworth Trophy (top player who started his career as a walk-on). He leads the nation with 15.5 sacks, despite playing just six snaps in the final two regular season games due to injury. Senior linebacker Ben Kline was selected as Penn State’s sportsmanship honoree.
Johnson had a fantastic year and finished third on the team with 70 total tackles, including 5.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. The tackles-for-loss mark was good for second in the nation. The co-captain, who was named to the conference’s second-team in 2014, also has three pass breakups and four quarterback hurries. He also has a pair of interceptions.
Advertisement
Joining Bosa on the all-Big Ten first-team defense as voted on by the coaches is senior linebacker Joshua Perry. He has started every game for the Nittany Lions, producing 31 tackles. He has served as the President of Penn State’s Uplifting Athletes chapter for the last two years.
