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IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa senior guard Sean Welsh has been named first-team All-Big Ten by league media and second-team All-Big Ten by coaches, the Big Ten Conference announced Wednesday. The offensive honorees were determined by a vote of league coaches and media. Individual awards will be announced Thursday.
In addition to Welsh, senior running back Akrum Wadley and sophomore tight end Noah Fant were named third-team All-Big Ten by coaches and media. Junior center James Daniels and sophomore quarterback Nate Stanley earned honorable mention recognition.
Welsh, a native of Springboro, Ohio, and Daniels, a native of Warren, Ohio, started 12 and 11 games for the Hawkeyes, respectively. Welsh and Daniels helped the Hawkeyes post a season high 313 rushing yards in a 56-14 victory at Nebraska in the regular season finale. Iowa’s offensive line allowed only 22 sacks, tied for fifth in the Big Ten.
Wadley, a native of Newark, New Jersey, finished his senior year with a 159-yard rushing performance and three touchdowns to become the third player in the last 20 years to rush for over 150 yards and run for three touchdowns in Nebraska. Wadley ranks among Iowa’s top-five in career rushing touchdowns (fourth) and total touchdowns (third). Wadley surpassed the 1,000-yard mark for the second straight season, becoming the fourth Hawkeye to accomplish the feat. His 1,021 yards rank fifth in the Big Ten and his career total of 2,784 yards ranks fifth at Iowa.
Fant, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, set the single-season record for touchdown receptions by a tight end with 10, tied for first in the Big Ten. Fant recorded a season high in receiving yards against Nebraska, tallying 116 and two touchdowns, including a career high 68-yard reception. Fant totaled 28 receptions and 486 receiving yards for the season.
Stanley, a native of Menomonie, Wisconsin, led Iowa to a 7-5 regular season record in his first season under center. Stanley tallied 2,338 passing yards with 25 touchdowns and six interceptions. His 25 touchdowns ranks third in the Big Ten and third all-time in program history for a single season. He had five scoring passes in wins over Iowa State and Ohio State.
