Several Penn State Defenders and Specialists Named to All-Big Ten Teams

Following the conclusion of the regular season, the Big Ten released its all-conference defense and special teams selections for the year.

Penn State’s list of honorees looks different than preseason expectations, with no selections to the first- or second-team defense. Defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton earned third-team accolades after recording 38 tackles, 6.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and three blocked kicks/punts. Linebacker Amare Campbell joined him on the third team with a team-leading 96 tackles and has three sacks of his own.

Cornerback Audavion Collins, who’s allowed 23 receptions on 33 targets for just one touchdown this season, was named an honorable mention. Defensive tackle Zane Durant, who has 25 tackles and four sacks, safety Zakee Wheatley, who has 74 and has two takeaways and safety King Mack, who has 56 tackles and is tied for the team lead with three pass breakups, were also named honorable mentions.

On special teams, Gabe Nwosu was named the third-team punter while Ryan Barker was named third-team kicker. Nwosu is averaging 46.1 yards per punt, second in the conference, with a long of 68. Barker has converted 15 of 18 field goal attempts and 48 of 49 extra points.

Tyler Duzansky, one of three finalists for the Mannelly Award given to the nation’s top long snapper, was an honorable mention. Running back Nick Singleton was also named an honorable mention as a return specialist, with seven kick returns for 145 yards.