IU redshirt sophomore kicker Griffin Oakes has been named the Big Ten Kicker of the Year, the conference announced Monday evening, giving the kicker the Bakken-Anderson Kicker of the Year Award.
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A finalist for the Lombardi Award for the second straight year, the junior did not repeat as the Big Ten defensive player of the year. Despite playing only six snaps in the last two games due to injury, Nassib leads the Football Bowl Subdivision in sacks (15.5) and forced fumbles (six) and is second in FBS and first in the Big Ten in tackles for loss (19.5).
The 6-foot-7, 272-pound Nassib did not start a single football game in high school or college until the 2015 season opener against Temple. “When I came here, I was very undersized and I just knew I had to dedicate myself and I knew that was the place that was going to get me to where I want to be”.
To go along with his hardware, Bosa was also named to the all-Big Ten first-team defense by both the coaches and media. He also has 5.5 sacks and 13.0 tackles for loss. McMillan expects to make the tackle on every play, and it shows.
“I love practice”, he said. Punter Cam Johnston was unanimous second team as well. Defensive tackle Austin Johnson (St. Augustine Prep) was named second team in media voting and third team by the coaches.
While the conference’s offensive awards will be announced tonight, MI defensive back Jabrill Peppers was tabbed the Big Ten’s Thompson-Randle El Freshman of the year, eliminating Penn State running back Saquon Barkley from the award. Zettel collects his second All-Big Ten honor of his career after a bid on the first team last season. IL defensive end Jihad Ward (Bok) made honorable mention on both squads.
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Other IU defensive and special teams players to earn honorable mention honors are: Nick Mangieri (coaches and media lists), Darius Latham (coaches only), Zack Shaw (coaches), Marcus Oliver (media only) and Mitchell Paige (media).
