Michigan linebacker Devin Bush (10) is waiting for the game in the fourth quarter of his Big Ten football match against the Penn State at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, November 3, 2018. Michigan won 42-7. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)
Michigan and Michigan State are among the best defensive teams in the country.
It was therefore not surprising that the programs were well represented when the Big Ten awarded the prizes for all lectures on Tuesday. The Wolverines (10-2, 8-1 Big Ten) had 14 players who won the All-Big Ten Trophy – 12 in defense, two in special teams – while the Spartans (7-5, 5-4) had 10 – eight in defense, two in special teams.
Michigan's second winner, Devin Bush Jr., has been named Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the Year, as well as Butkus-Fitzgerald's linebacker of the year.
Kenny Willekes was named defensive lineman of the year Smith-Brown.
Will Hart was named Punter of the Year by Eddleman-Fields.
Here is an overview of all the Wolverines and Spartans who won the Big Ten honors Tuesday in the special and defense teams:
Michigan linebacker Devin Bush (10) catches a pass as he warms up before his Big Ten football match against Maryland at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, October 6, 2018. (Mike Mulholland | MLive .com)
Michigan:
Devin Bush Jr., LB
– Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the Year
– Butkus-Fitzgerald year-round second-year
– First team coaches and media
The junior is leading the Wolverines with 80 tackles, including 9.5 for a loss, five sacks, six assists and two quarters of a quarter. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. recently ranked her sixth overall in the NFL draft. Bush has not yet announced whether he would leave for the NFL or whether he would return for his senior season but, speaking on BTN Tuesday night, he said he wanted play in the game of the cup.
Michigan State defensive lineman Kenny Willekes (48) reacts after suffering a setback in the first half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, October 6, 2018. (J. Scott Park MLive.com)
State of Michigan:
Kenny Willekes, DE
– Smith-Brown defensive lineman
– First team coaches and media
The junior redshirt and ex-walk-on has 20.5 tackles for a loss, leading the Big Ten, ranking seventh in the country and is the second highest total in the history of the program, behind the thirtieth of Julian Peterson in 1999. Willekes has 76 tackles in total, 8.5 sacks, 12 quarterbacks in a hurry, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Michigan scorer Will Hart (17) hits the ball in the third quarter of his college football game against Ohio State at Columbus Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 24, 2018. Ohio State won the match, 62-39. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)
Michigan:
Will Hart, P
– Eddleman-Fields Hunter of the Year
– First team coaches and media
The sophomore redshirt averages 47.6 yards per puck, which leads the Big Ten. Hart had 14 offended shots inside the 20-yard line and 19 on at least 50 yards.
Michigan defenseman Chase Winovich (15) celebrates after defensive lineman Rashan Gary and linebacker Devin Bush make the second quarter of their Big Ten college match against the Ohio State at Ohio Stadium Columbus on Saturday, November 24, 2018. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)
Michigan:
Chase Winovich, DE
– First team coaches and media
The fifth-year athlete has 62 tackles, including 14.5 in defeat, four sacks, seven quarter shifts, one breakaway and one break.
