Big Ten Release | 2016 All-Big Ten Teams
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Illinois offensive standouts Malik Turner and Joe Spencer were named honorable mention All-Big Ten by the media, the conference announced Wednesday on Big Ten Network. The Illini's two representatives on the offensive side gives Illinois six All-Big Ten picks after four were announced with Tuesday's defensive all-conference selections.
In addition to the All-Big Ten awards, Spencer was announced as Illinois' Big Ten Sportsmanship Award honoree. Spencer, a captain for the 2016 Illini, has been a leader on the football field and in the Champaign and University communities throughout his four years at Illinois. He is the president of Illinois' Uplifting Athletes chapter and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, a member of the Illini Leadership Academy and Freshman Athlete Mentor program, and has organized fundraisers including the Illini's Lift for Life and student-athlete variety shows that have raised over $100,000 during Spencer's time on campus.
WR Malik Turner » Turner was one of the top pass catchers in the Big Ten, ranking sixth in receptions per game (4.4), seventh in receiving touchdowns (6) and ninth in receiving yards per game (64.7). The junior had his best game in the season finale against Northwestern when he tied his career high with 11 catches for a career-best 164 yards and two touchdowns. He also had touchdowns against Murray State (2), North Carolina and a 43-yard leading TD grab at Michigan that made SportsCenter's top 10 plays.
C Joe Spencer » Spencer started 11 games for the Illini at center this season, ending his four years with 37 career starts. The MBA candidate, who graduated in May 2016 with a finance degree, was on the Rimington Trophy watch list for the nation's best center and the Weurffel Trophy watch list for the top community service student-athlete in Division I football.
Illinois All-Big Ten
DE Carroll Phillips » First team (media), honorable mention (coaches)
DE Dawuane Smoot » Third team (coaches and media)
LB Hardy Nickerson » Honorable mention (coaches and media)
LB Tré Watson » Honorable mention (coaches and media)
WR Malik Turner » Honorable mention (media)
C Joe Spencer » Honorable mention (media) and Sportsmanship Award
