Kansas State's Jordan Willis named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year

Jordan Willis has been named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press.

The Kansas State senior defensive end earned the honor Tuesday morning after leading the conference with 11.5 sacks this season. Willis, a soft-spoken captain from Kansas City, was a true difference-maker for the Wildcats this year. He made 48 tackles, including 16.5 for loss, and also forced three fumbles while constantly rushing the quarterback.

Willis earned praise from K-State coach Bill Snyder and his teammates during the season.

“He plays so hard and is just one of those guys that you should not make a mistake with if you are on the other side of the ball,” Snyder said. “If you are slow getting your feet set or hands up, he has a good chance to win the battle.”

Willis led a group of six K-State football players that made the AP All-Big 12 team.

Senior right guard Terrale Johnson was a first-team selection on offense, while junior defensive tackle Will Geary, junior linebacker Elijah Lee and Willis were first-team selections on defense.

Geary has made the media’s defensive first team in back-to-back seasons.

Sophomore right tackle Dalton Risner and sophomore defensive back D.J. Reed both made the second team.

The Wildcats had more defensive selections than any other team.

Three Kansas players made the team, led by defensive end Dorance Armstrong, who led the conference with 20 tackles for loss, on the first team. Defensive tackle Daniel Wise and safety Fish Smithson both earned second-team honors.

Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops won Big 12 Coach of the Year, Oklahoma receiver Dede Westrbook won Offensive Player of the Year and Oklahoma State’s Justice Hill was named Newcomer of the Year.

This story was originally published December 6, 2016 at 12:18 PM with the headline "Kansas State's Jordan Willis named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year."