Dec. 16, 2008
- Greene and the Iowa Hawkeyes
- Outback Bowl Central
- Iowa and the Big Ten Network
- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
- gohawks.com
- Iowa Football wallpaper
IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa running back Shonn Greene has been named to Associated Press’ first all-America team. Hawkeye defensive tackle Mitch King has been named to the AP’s second all-America team.
Greene, a 5-foot-11, 235-pounder from Sicklerville, NJ, is the first Iowa running back since Nile Kinnick (1939) to make the AP’s first team. He has made virtually every first all-America team this year. Just last week he named winner of the Doak Walker Award, emblematic of the nation’s top running back. He was also named the Big Ten’s Most Valuable Player.
The junior running back rushed for 1,729 yards and scored 17 touchdowns during the 2008 regular season. The yardage is an all-time best for a season at Iowa. He was the only running back in the country to rush for over 100 yards in every game.
Greene will become Iowa’s 20th consensus all-American and the fifth Hawkeye to gain consensus all-America honors under Coach Kirk Ferentz. Earlier players honored under Ferentz include TE Dallas Clark and OL Eric Steinbach (2002) and OL Robert Gallery and PK Nate Kaeding (2003).
King, a 6-3, 254-pound senior from Burlington, IA, was previously named Big Ten defensive lineman of the year. He had 52 tackles and 15.5 tackles-for-loss. He has 226 career tackles, 55 tackles-for-loss and six forced fumbles. The 55 tackles-for-loss are the second most amongst active collegiate defenders.
“Both players had outstanding seasons,” said Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz. “Everybody on our football staff is extremely proud of their achievements and the honors that have come their way.”
Iowa will be playing in its fifth January bowl game, under Ferentz, against South Carolina in the 2009 Outback Bowl.
Fans of the Iowa Hawkeyes who live in the Heartland or in the Sunshine State or in all points between should note that the UI Athletics Ticket Office is accepting ticket orders for the 2009 Outback Bowl. Click here to purchase your tickets online. Fans can also purchase over the phone by calling 1-800 IA-HAWKS or over-the-counter at the UI Athletics Ticket Office in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.