Four First-Teamers Represent U-M on All-Big Ten Defensive Team

ROSEMONT, Ill. -- The Big Ten East Division Champion University of Michigan football team had 17 student-athletes named to the All-Big Ten Teams on defense and special teams, the conference announced Tuesday (Nov. 28).

The program is seeking its first-ever stretch of three consecutive outright Big Ten titles with a trip to Indianapolis, Ind., this Saturday (Dec. 2) to play Iowa for the conference title.

The Michigan defense ranks top-10 nationally in the following categories: red zone defense (sixth), rushing defense (sixth), interceptions (fourth), pass yards allowed per game (fourth), pass efficiency defense (third), total defense (second), defensive touchdowns (tied-first), and scoring defense (first).

U-M leads the nation with a scoring differential of +27.3 points per game thanks in part to its fierce play on defense and special teams. The Wolverines have 16 interceptions to seven passing touchdowns allowed with at least one interception in 10-of-12 games, while the run defense gives up fewer than 100 yards per game on the ground. Michigan allows an FBS-low 4.8 points per game in second halves. On special teams, U-M has the seventh-ranked kickoff coverage unit and the 10th-ranked punting unit, plus a field-goal unit that has made nine attempts in a row.

Defensive back Will Johnson was a consensus first-team pick with Mike Sainristil earning first-team honors on the media ballot (second team, coaches). Johnson (three interceptions) and Sainristil (five) are the team's leaders in turnovers with three of those picks being returned for touchdowns. Defensive lineman Mason Graham earned first-team honors on the coaches ballot (third team, media). With 29 tackles (19 solo), 6.5 for loss, 3.0 sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery, Graham has stuffed the stat sheet from the Wolverines' interior this year.

The team's leading tackler, linebacker Junior Colson, and top snap-earner inside, Kris Jenkins, both earned second-team honors on both ballots. Colson has 71 stops (31 solo with two for loss) leading the Michigan defense, while Jenkins (29 tackles, 3.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception) has helped anchor the interior along with Kenneth Grant, a second-team choice by the coaches and a third-team pick on the media ballot. Grant has 22 tackles, 3.5 for loss, 2.5 sacks, and an interception of his own as part of five total pass breakups this season.

Linebacker Michael Barrett and defensive back Rod Moore were third-team picks on the coaches ballot and honorable mention choices to the media. Barrett ranks second on the team with 45 tackles and has a team-best three forced fumbles (to go with two recoveries) while Moore has four pass breakups including two interceptions this season.

Jaylen Harrell, Braiden McGregor, Derrick Moore, and Josh Wallace were honorable mention selections on both ballots. Makari Paige and Josaiah Stewart were honorable mention choices on the coaches ballots.

Kicker James Turner was a second-team choice by the league's coaches and honorable mention on the media ballot. He has made 12-of-14 field-goal tries this year including two-of-three from 50-plus yards, with a total of 92 points. Punter Tommy Doman was a third-team honoree on the coaches ballot and honorable mention by the media. Doman currently has the No. 3 single-season punting average in Michigan history (45.03 yards per attempt) and delivers touchbacks at a rate of 70.4 percent on kickoffs. Return man Semaj Morgan was an honorable mention on both ballots.

The Big Ten Awards will continue on Wednesday with the announcement of the All-Big Ten Offensive team and additional individual honors, beginning at noon.

All-Big Ten Conference (Coaches)

Defense

First Team: Mason Graham (defensive line), Will Johnson (defensive back)
Second Team: Junior Colson (linebacker), Kenneth Grant (defensive line), Kris Jenkins (defensive line), Mike Sainristil (defensive back)
Third Team: Michael Barrett (linebacker), Rod Moore (defensive back)
Honorable Mention: Jaylen Harrell (defensive line), Braiden McGregor (defensive line), Derrick Moore (defensive line), Makari Paige (defensive back), Josaiah Stewart (defensive line), Josh Wallace (defensive back)

Special Teams

Second Team: James Turner (kicker)
Third Team: Tommy Doman (punter)
Honorable Mention: Semaj Morgan (return specialist)

All-Big Ten Conference (Media)

Defense

First Team: Will Johnson (defensive back), Mike Sainristil (defensive back)
Second Team: Junior Colson (linebacker), Kris Jenkins (defensive line)
Third Team: Mason Graham (defensive line), Kenneth Grant (defensive line)
Honorable Mention: Michael Barrett (linebacker), Jaylen Harrell (defensive line), Braiden McGregor (defensive line), Derrick Moore (defensive line), Rod Moore (defensive back), Josh Wallace (defensive back)