Athlon Sports Honors Prater, Reiff as Preseason All-Americans

June 14, 2011

IOWA CITY, Iowa – – Two University of Iowa football players were recognized as preseason All-Americans by Athlon Sports 2011 College Football Preseason magazine. The publication named senior cornerback Shaun Prater to the second team and junior offensive lineman Riley Reiff to the third team. The pair were also honored as preseason first team all-Big Ten selections.

Athlon Sports is just the latest to honor Prater (5-11, 180), as he was also named a preseason second team All-American by Lindy’s 2011 Big Ten football magazine and was selected first team all-Big Ten by Lindy’s and Phil Steele. The Omaha native was considered by league coaches and media as a first team all-Big Ten performer a season ago after ranking second in the Big Ten in interceptions (.33).

Similar to Prater, Reiff has also garnered preseason recognition from multiple media outlets. Reiff (6-6, 330) was named a third team All-American by Phil Steele and was one of five linemen nationwide selected to the prestigious Playboy magazine All-America team. Reiff is just the sixth Hawkeye during Kirk Ferentz’s 12-year tenure to appear on Playboy’s preseason list. Reiff was also named first team all-Big Ten by Lindy’s Big Ten football magazine. Reiff, a Parkston, S.D. native, has started 21 consecutive games for the Black and Gold and received second team all-Big Ten honors in 2010.

Athlon Sports Big Ten regional edition cover features Iowa running back Marcus Coker, who was one of eight Hawkeyes to earn preseason all-Big Ten honors by the publication. Prater and Reiff were named to the first team, while Coker was joined on the second team by wide receiver Marvin McNutt Jr., offensive lineman Markus Zusevics and linebacker James Morris. Defensive lineman Mike Daniels and cornerback Micah Hyde garnered third-team honors.

In addition, Athlon Sports ranked Iowa’s offensive line as the seventh best in the nation.

The Hawkeyes begin their 2011 season Sept. 3 when they face Tennessee Tech inside Kinnick Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 11 a.m. CT (BTN HD).