The Associated Press All-America team is out, and two Big Ten defensive players have made the first team: Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier and Michigan State cornerback Darqueze Dennard.
Shazier did not win the Big Ten defensive player of the year or linebacker of the year honors but did lead the league in tackles and tackles for loss while tying for the lead in forced fumbles. Dennard won the Thorpe Award as the nation's best defensive back.
Michigan offensive tackle Taylor Lewan, Michigan State defensive end Shilique Calhoun and Wisconsin linebacker Chris Borland all made the second team.
Lewan was a first-team All-American last year. Calhoun earned the honor in his first full year of starting. Borland was named the Big Ten defensive player of the year.
Several Big Ten players are featured on the AP's third team. They are:
Ohio State RB Carlos Hyde
Nebraska RB Ameer Abdullah
Penn State WR Allen Robinson
Ohio State OT Jack Mewhort
Penn State G John Urschel
Wisconsin G Ryan Groy
Northwestern K Jeff Budzien
Minnesota DT Ra'Shede Hageman
Michigan State LB Max Bullough
Michigan State LB Denicos Allen
Congrats to all the honorees. Kind of surprised that neither Mike Sadler nor Cody Webster made any of the three teams at punter, but the Big Ten is well represented among the All-Americans.
