IOWA CITY, Iowa — Two members of the University of Iowa football program – – defensive ends Parker Hesse and Anthony Nelson – – have been named to the Academic All-District 6 first team. The announcement was made Thursday by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
Hesse and Nelson will now have their names placed on the national ballot for Academic All-America honors. The district honor is the first for both Hesse and Nelson. Both are members of Iowa’s 2017 Leadership Group.
Hesse (6-foot-3, 257 pounds) is a junior from Waukon, Iowa (Waukon). Hesse carries a 3.72 GPA and has earned his degree in Interdepartmental Studies. He was named Academic All-Big Ten in both 2015 and 2016. Hesse earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors in 2016 and was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman team by BTN.com in 2015.
Hesse has started all 10 games this season and has 31 career starts. He ranks fourth in the Big Ten in forced fumbles (two) and 15th with nine tackles for loss. He has totaled 21 solo tackles and 14 assists, 2.5 sacks, one interception, and one pass break-up.
Nelson (6-foot-7, 260 pounds) is a sophomore from Urbandale, Iowa (Waukee). He earned Academic All-Big Ten honors in 2016. Nelson holds a 3.89 GPA and is an accounting major. Nelson has started all 10 games in 2017 and is tied for third in the Big Ten with six sacks, matching his total from a year ago.
Nelson has recorded 14 solo tackles and 13 assists, with seven tackles for loss. Nelson recorded a blocked field goal against nationally-ranked Penn State, and has two pass break-ups and one forced fumble.
In the last 19 seasons, under UI head coach Kirk Ferentz, 27 Iowa football student-athletes have combined to earn academic All-District and All-America recognition on 48 occasions.
The Hawkeyes (6-4, 3-4) host Purdue (4-6, 2-5) on Saturday (2:40 p.m., BTN) as Iowa celebrates Senior Day. Tickets for Saturday’s game are available online at hawkeyesports.com or over the phone at (800) IA-HAWKS.
