Northwestern University Athletics
Four 'Cats Named to Phil Steele's Preseason All-B1G Teams
6/1/2015 3:41:00 PM | Football
Nick VanHoose leads quartet with a first-team recognition
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Four Wildcats have been chosen to represent Northwestern on Phil Steele's 2015 Preseason All-Big Ten Team, it was announced on Monday, June 1.
Senior cornerback Nick VanHoose was selected to Steele's first team, while sophomore running back Justin Jackson earned a spot in the second-team backfield. Chicago's Big Ten Team is represented on both sides of the ball on the fourth team with senior Geoff Mogus holding down a spot on the offensive line and senior Dean Lowry doing the same as a defensive end.
VanHoose was named a second-team All-Big Ten performer by league media in 2014. He started 10 games in the defensive backfield and ranked second in the conference and 26th nationally with 1.2 passes defended per game. The Urbana, Ohio, native was also one of only six FBS players with three blocked kicks last season (two PATs, one FG). VanHoose owns 153 tackles, 25 passes defended, five interceptions and three fumble recoveries in 32 games at Northwestern.
Jackson charged onto the scene with a memorable first-year campaign in 2014. He collected All-Big Ten honorable mention accolades from the coaches after amassing 1,187 yards and 10 touchdowns in 12 games. The Carol Stream, Ill., native recorded only the 16th 1,000-yard rushing season in NU history, and just the second freshman. He started five games and finished second for the Wildcats with 66 points a year ago.
Mogus was one of the #B1GCats who helped to pave the way for Jackson during his memorable freshman season. The Lorain, Ohio, native started all 12 games at left guard and helped the offense to gain a season-high 547 yards in a thrilling overtime victory at Notre Dame on Nov. 15. Mogus also started 11 of 12 games at left guard in 2013, while appearing in all 13 games during the 2012 season. He showed versatility during the spring by working at both the left guard and left tackle spots.
Lowry was also an All-Big Ten honorable mention (coaches) selection from his defensive end post in 2014. He started all 12 games and racked up 41 tackles, including 8.0 tackles for loss, which ranked second for the Wildcats. He has notched 88 tackles, 18 TFLs, 9.5 sacks, 12 passes defended, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 36 career games. In April, the Rockford, Ill., native was named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list, which is awarded annually based on both athletic ability and outstanding character attributes.
Phil Steele's 2015 College Football Preview magazine is due in stores July 1. For more information, please visit PhilSteele.com.
Season tickets to enjoy Northwestern's seven-game slate at Ryan Field are on sale now. The Wildcats open the 2015 docket at home against a Pac-12 foe for the second consecutive year when the Stanford Cardinal come calling on Saturday, Sept. 5. The 'Cats will also host Eastern Illinois (Sept. 12) and Ball State (Sept. 26 - 7 p.m. CDT) in nonconference contests before welcoming Minnesota (Oct. 3), Iowa (Oct. 17 - 11 a.m. CDT), Penn State (Nov. 7) and Purdue (Nov. 14) in Big Ten action. Purchase season tickets today by calling the Northwestern Athletics ticket office at 888-GO-PURPLE (888-467-8775) or visiting NUsports.com.
