Penn State senior defensive tackle Devon Still has been named Big Ten Defensive Player of The Year, becoming the fifth Nittany Lion to receive the honor since 1998, the university announced Wednesday.
Still, already named the Big Ten Defensive Linemen of the Year, had a dominating season, racking up 15 solo tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks and 55 tackles. He joins LaVar Arrington, Courtney Brown, Michael Haynes and Jared Odrick as the only Nittany Lions to receive the award.
Still is only the second defensive tackle to win the award since 1994.
“It’s a blessing,” Still said in a news release. “I had a chance to play with Jared, so I knew what it would take. I’ve worked hard. Coming back from the injuries, I’ve had a lot of support from my family, Coach (Larry) Johnson and my teammates.”
Interim head Coach Tom Bradley has been impressed all season with the play of Still — and especially through the past few weeks, Penn State noted.
“I am really proud of Devon and the way he responded after the injuries early in his career,” Bradley said in the release. “Devon has worked so hard and deserves all the accolades he is receiving. He has been a great leader for the team on and off the field, making sure everyone was working hard and on the same page.”
Still awards could pile up even further, as he is a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy, presented to the nation’s top defensive player. He also is a finalist for the Outland Trophy, awarded to the nation’s premier interior lineman.
Penn State finished its season Saturday as a co-winner of the Big Ten Leaders Division title. The Nittany Lions will find out in the coming weeks where they will be playing their bowl game.
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