14 Illini Earn All-Big Ten Recognitions

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Big Ten Conference announced its All-Big Ten teams on Big Ten Network Tuesday. Illinois had 14 players earn All-Big Ten honors, including All-Big Ten First Team selection Xavier Scott, All-Big Ten Second Team honoree Pat Bryant, and third-team picks J.C. Davis, Gabe Jacas, and Hank Beatty. 

All-Big Ten Awards – Offense

Pat Bryant headlined the offensive awards with a second-team selection. Bryant ranked second in the Big Ten in receiving yards (984) and tied for first in receiving touchdowns (10). He led the nation with three game-winning touchdown catches in the final minute/overtime this season, all coming from All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honoree Luke Altmyer. With Isaiah Williams’ first-team pick last year, Illinois has had back-to-back years with a second-teamer or better wide receiver for the first time since Brandon Lloyd from 2001-02.

Altmyer, who started all 12 games at quarterback and led Illinois to its first nine-win season since 2007, earned his first All-Big Ten designation after throwing for 2,543 yards, 21 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. Illinois has had three straight years of All-Big Ten Honorable Mention quarterbacks – Tommy DeVito, John Paddock, and Altmyer – for the first time since Juice Williams from 2007-09. 

All four full-time Illini offensive line starters earned All-Big Ten status. OT J.C. Davis was named to the All-Big Ten Third Team, while C Josh Kreutz, OG Josh Gesky, and OT Melvin Priestly picked up honorable mention accolades. It is the third…