Northwestern University Athletics
Jackson, Vitale Earn Consensus 2015 All-Big Ten Offense Honors
12/1/2015 9:00:00 PM | Football
ROSEMONT, Ill. -- Northwestern sophomore running back Justin Jackson and senior superback Dan Vitale were named to the 2015 Second Team All-Big Ten Offense by coaches and media, the Conference announced on Tuesday. They join six teammates that were named to the All-Big Ten Defense and Special Teams on Monday, led by consensus First Team selection Anthony Walker Jr.
Jackson, an economics major, carried the ball a career-high 37 times for 172 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 24-14 win in the regular-season finale at Soldier Field against Illinois. The Carol Stream, Illinois, native's 1,344 yards rushing are the eighth-most in Northwestern single-season history, and this season's performance pushed him to 2,531 career rushing yards, moving past Greg Boykin (1972-76; 2,465 yards) and Noah Herron (2001-04; 2,524 yards) into sixth in Wildcats history.
Vitale capped the final regular-season of his college career with three catches for 34 yards and a touchdown Saturday at Soldier Field. The Wheaton, Illinois, native led Northwestern in receptions (33), receiving yards (355) and receiving touchdowns (4) in 2015. His 11 career touchdown catches rank tenth in Wildcats history, and he has earned Academic All-Big Ten honors in both eligible seasons.
2015 ALL-BIG TEN DEFENSE & SPECIAL TEAMS
2015 ALL-BIG TEN OFFENSE
Along with Walker Jr. on the First Team Defense, senior defensive end Dean Lowry and cornerback Nick VanHoose were consensus Second Team honorees, while senior defensive end Deonte Gibson and junior cornerback Matthew Harris were named to the Third Team. Sophomore Solomon Vault was selected as the Third Team All-Big Ten return specialist.
In addition, senior defensive lineman Max Chapman was named Northwestern's Sportsmanship Award nominee. The 14 student-athletes selected are individuals who have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior. These students must also be in good academic standing and have demonstrated good citizenship outside of the sports-competition setting.
Northwestern wrapped up the regular-season with a 24-14 win at Soldier Field on Saturday to improve to 10-2 on the year, and await a bowl destination that will be announced on Sunday, Dec. 6. The 2015 campaign marks the fourth time in program history the Wildcats have reached the 10-win plateau. Pat Fitzgerald has helped lead the 'Cats to three of those performances, one as a player (1995) and two in the last four years as the head coach (2012, 2015).
Jackson, an economics major, carried the ball a career-high 37 times for 172 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 24-14 win in the regular-season finale at Soldier Field against Illinois. The Carol Stream, Illinois, native's 1,344 yards rushing are the eighth-most in Northwestern single-season history, and this season's performance pushed him to 2,531 career rushing yards, moving past Greg Boykin (1972-76; 2,465 yards) and Noah Herron (2001-04; 2,524 yards) into sixth in Wildcats history.
140 characters aren't enough to say how much I love playing with and for my teammates. This award is yours. #B1GCats #NUEra @NUFBFamily
— Justin Jackson (@J_ManPrime21) December 2, 2015Vitale capped the final regular-season of his college career with three catches for 34 yards and a touchdown Saturday at Soldier Field. The Wheaton, Illinois, native led Northwestern in receptions (33), receiving yards (355) and receiving touchdowns (4) in 2015. His 11 career touchdown catches rank tenth in Wildcats history, and he has earned Academic All-Big Ten honors in both eligible seasons.
2015 ALL-BIG TEN DEFENSE & SPECIAL TEAMS
2015 ALL-BIG TEN OFFENSE
Along with Walker Jr. on the First Team Defense, senior defensive end Dean Lowry and cornerback Nick VanHoose were consensus Second Team honorees, while senior defensive end Deonte Gibson and junior cornerback Matthew Harris were named to the Third Team. Sophomore Solomon Vault was selected as the Third Team All-Big Ten return specialist.
In addition, senior defensive lineman Max Chapman was named Northwestern's Sportsmanship Award nominee. The 14 student-athletes selected are individuals who have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior. These students must also be in good academic standing and have demonstrated good citizenship outside of the sports-competition setting.
Northwestern wrapped up the regular-season with a 24-14 win at Soldier Field on Saturday to improve to 10-2 on the year, and await a bowl destination that will be announced on Sunday, Dec. 6. The 2015 campaign marks the fourth time in program history the Wildcats have reached the 10-win plateau. Pat Fitzgerald has helped lead the 'Cats to three of those performances, one as a player (1995) and two in the last four years as the head coach (2012, 2015).
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