10 Hawkeyes Named to Athlon’s Preseason All-B1G Teams – University of Iowa Athletics

June 13, 2014

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Athlon Sports released its preseason All-Big Ten Football teams on Friday. The publication recognizes 10 University of Iowa student-athletes on its four squads.

Recognized on the first team include seniors Brandon Scherff (offensive tackle) and Carl Davis (defensive tackle). Seniors Louis Trinca-Pasat (defensive tackle) and Kevonte Martin-Manley (punt returner) were named to the second unit. Senior John Lowdermilk (safety), junior Austin Blythe (center) and sophomore Desmond King (cornerback) were recognized on the third team. Seniors Mark Weisman (running back) and Martin-Manley (wide receiver), and junior offensive guard Jordan Walsh, were named to the fourth team.

in editorial iowa football helmet graphic Scherff, a native of Denison, Iowa, started 13 games at left tackle in 2013. Scherff has also been named to Phil Steele’s Preseason All-America second team and All-Big Ten first team, which was released last week. Following the season, Scherff was named second team All-America by the Football Writers Association of America, Phil Steele, and College Sports Madness. He earned first team All-Big Ten honors from Sporting News, Phil Steele, and College Sports Madness.

Davis, a native of Detroit, Michigan, also earned preseason third-team All-America and second-team All-Big Ten honors by Steele. Following Iowa’s 2013 campaign, Davis was named second team All-Big Ten by league coaches and earned honorable mention by league media. Athlon Sports named Davis second team All-Big Ten, while Phil Steele and College Sports Madness placed Davis on the third team.

Martin-Manley, also named preseason first-team all-Big Ten and second-team all-America as a punt returner by Steele, became the first Big Ten Conference player to ever return back-to-back punts for touchdowns in Iowa’s 59-3 victory over Western Michigan in 2013. The Pontiac, Michigan, native was named first team All-Big Ten Specialist by Phil Steele following the 2013 campaign, garnering the same honors from Sporting News and College Sports Madness.

Trinca-Pasat has started every game at defensive tackle the last two seasons for the Hawkeyes. The native of Chicago collected 38 tackles a year ago, including eight for loss, while earning the team’s defensive Hustle Award. Trinca-Pasat is also a two-year academic all-conference honoree.

Blythe, who also made his second consecutive appearance on Steele’s preseason All-Big Ten team after being chosen to the fourth team in 2013, was named honorable mention All-Big Ten last season. Prior to last year’s spring practice, the Williamsburg, Iowa, native moved from guard to center. He is on the Rimington Award Spring Watch List.

King, who also garnered fourth-team preseason All-Big Ten recognition by Steele, was one of four true freshmen to see action in 2013 — seeing action at cornerback in all 13 games. The Detroit, Michigan, native tied for seventh in the Big Ten with two fumble recoveries. King was named first team Freshman All-Big Ten by BTN.com and third team Freshman All-America by Athlon Sports. He was named the Big Ten Conference Freshman of the Week following Iowa’s game against Ohio State.

Lowdermilk, a native of Carrollton, Ohio, was named honorable mention All-Big Ten in 2013 and also earned the Coaches Appreciation Award. Lowdermilk, who was also named third-team preseason All-Big Ten by Steele, started all 13 games at strong safety for the Hawkeyes.

Weisman, also earned preseason fourth-team All-Big Ten honors by Steele for the second consecutive year, following a 2013 campaign in which he earned third team All-Big Ten honors after rushing for 975 yards and eight touchdowns. The Buffalo Grove, Illinois, native was named to the Maxwell Award Watch List last season and earned Academic All-Big Ten honors.

Walsh, who was also recognized on Steele’s preseason All-Big Ten second team, started all 13 games at right guard in 2013. The Glendale Heights, Illinois, native saw action in seven games in 2012 after redshirting in 2011.

The Hawkeyes open the 2014 season Aug. 30, hosting Northern Iowa in Kinnick Stadium.

Athlon Sports
2014 Preseason All-Big Ten Teams

First Team
OT Brandon Scherff
DT Carl Davis

Second Team
DT Louis Trinca-Pasat
PR Kevonte Martin-Manley

Third Team
C Austin Blythe
CB Desmond King
S John Lowdermilk

Fourth Team
RB Mark Weisman
WR Kevonte Martin-Manley
OG Jordan Walsh