All-Big 12 football team features several KU, K-State players
Kansas State freshman Joshua Youngblood had a strong debut season with the Wildcats, and the Big 12 has token notice.
On Wednesday, Youngblood was chosen Big 12 special teams player of the year for his sensational efforts as a kick returner.
He is the first freshman to win the Big 12 player of the year award on offense, defense or special teams. Youngblood earned that distinction after averaging a conference best 38.1 yards on kick returns and returning three kickoffs for touchdowns.
But he wasn’t the only K-State football player who received all-conference honors from the league’s coaches. Sophomore defensive end Wyatt Hubert and junior fullback Nick Lenners both earned spots on the all-Big 12 first team. Senior left tackle Scott Frantz and senior punter Devin Anctil both made the second team.
Hubert seemed like an obvious first-team candidate after finishing the year with 30 tackles, including 12 1/2 for loss and seven sacks.
The Kansas Jayhawks were also represented on the all-Big 12 first team, as running back Pooka Williams and offensive lineman Hakeem Adeniji both received first-team honors.
Williams rushed for 1,256 yards and five touchdowns this season. The sophomore was also a first-team selection last season.
Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard was voted Big 12 offensive player of the year, while Baylor defensive lineman James Lynch won top defensive honors. Baylor’s Matt Rhule won Big 12 coach of the year.