Jefferson named Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year

By Steve Lansdale

IRVING, Texas — Twelve University of Texas football players were honored Wednesday by the Big 12 by earning various all-conference honors.

Linebacker Malik Jefferson was named the league’s Defensive Freshman of the Year, becoming the sixth player in UT history to earn the honor, joining cornerback Quandre Diggs (who won the award in 2011), defensive end Brian Orakpo (2005), defensive tackle Rodrique Wright (2002), linebacker Derrick Johnson (2001) and defensive end Cory Redding (1999).

Fullback Alex De La Torre and linebacker Peter Jinkens earned [s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)]second-team all-conference honors.

Jinkens and Jefferson finished first and second on the team in tackles with 75 and 61, respectively. Jinkens also led the UT defense with 6.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss, while Jefferson led the team with six quarterback pressures. He also had seven tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, which he returned for a touchdown.

In addition to his honor as the league’s top defensive freshman, Jefferson also was named Honorable Mention All-Big 12, as were senior defensive tackle Desmond Jackson, senior kickoff returner/punt returner Daje Johnson, senior cornerback Duke Thomas (who received the honor for the second consecutive season), junior defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway, and five fellow freshmen — cornerback Davante Davis, punter Michael Dickson, cornerback Holton Hill, guard Patrick Vahe and tackle Connor Williams.

Davis led the Longhorns with seven passes broken up and had 35 tackles and an interception. Dickson emerged as a special teams weapon, averaging 41.3 yards per punt, dropping 19 inside the opposing 20-yard line and launching 17 punts of 50 or more yards.

Johnson averaged 10.7 yards on 21 punt returns, leading the Big 12 and ranking 24^th in the nation; he took one back 85 yards for a touchdown. He also averaged 24.0 yards on 22 kickoff returns.

Texas head coach Charlie Strong earned Honorable Mention Coach of the Year recognition.