Huskers Continue to Earn All-Big 12 Honors

Nebraska football players were again well-represented on an All-Big 12 team on Thursday, as six Huskers were named to the Associated Press first-team listing. Earlier this week, six Nebraska players earned All-Big 12 honors from the conference's head coaches.

Five of the six AP first-teamers were repeat selections from the coaches' team, including offensive guard Ricky Henry, defensive tackle Jared Crick, linebacker Lavonte David, cornerback Prince Amukamara and safety Eric Hagg. Joining those five on the AP first-team unit was senior place-kicker Alex Henery. Nebraska and Oklahoma State tied with six first-team All-Big 12 selections.

In addition the six first-team All-Big 12 selections, two Nebraska players received individual honors from the Associated Press. David was named the league's Defensive Newcomer of the Year. The transfer from Fort Scott Community College ranks second in the Big 12 in tackles per game, and has 14 tackles for loss, six sacks and 10 pass breakups. David was also runner-up to Oklahoma's Jeremy Beal for Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Taylor Martinez was chosen as the AP Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year. Despite being hobbled by injury over the past 4 1/2 games, Martinez has rushed for 974 yards and 12 touchdowns, and accounted for more than 2,400 yards of total offense.

In addition to six first-team selections, cornerback Alfonzo Dennard was a second-team All-Big 12 pick, and seven Huskers earned honorable-mention accolades. The offensive honorable-mention choices included Martinez, center Mike Caputo, guard Keith Williams and I-back Roy Helu Jr. Defensively, end Pierre Allen and defensive back DeJon Gomes were listed, while Alex Henery also earned honorable-mention recognition as a punter.