The Big Ten on Tuesday announced its all-conference teams for defense and special teams, along with some individual awards. Gophers defensive end Boye Mafe, who led the team with six sacks and nine tackles for loss, was named to the All-Big Ten second team by media members and to the third team by the coaches' vote.
Gophers defensive end Boye Mafe named second-team All-Big Ten
The senior led the team with six sacks and nine tackles for loss. Four other Gophers received honorable mention.
November 30, 2021 at 6:55PM
![Minnesota Gophers defensive lineman Boye Mafe (34) attempted to tackle Miami (Oh) Redhawks quarterback Brett Gabbert (5) as he released the ball in the second quarter. ] AARON LAVINSKY • aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/IUL2SHVSV245RZPEH2TKJY7DK4.jpg?&w=712)
Gophers receiving honorable mention from media members were linebackers Jack Gibbens and Mariano Sori-Marin, safety Tyler Nubin and defensive end Esezi Otomewo. Sori-Marin and Otomewo received honorable mention from the coaches, while quarterback Tanner Morgan was the team's Sportsmanship Award winner from the coaches.
The Big Ten will announce its all-conference offensive teams and honors on Wednesday.
Big Ten individual award winners for defense, special teams
Defensive player of the year: Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan
Defensive lineman of the year: Hutchinson
Linebacker of the year: Leo Chenal, Wisconsin
Defensive back of the year: Riley Moss, Iowa
Kicker of the year: Jake Moody, Michigan.
Punter of the year: Jordan Stout, Penn State
Return specialist of the year: Charlie Jones, Iowa
Coach of the year (both media and coaches votes): Mel Tucker, Michigan State
Humanitarian Award: Malcom Jenkins, former Ohio State player
Leadership Award: Pat Richter, former Wisconsin player and athletic director
Sam Rinzel had two of the Gophers’ three power play goals against the Irish.
