Ohio State's defense ranked near the top of not only the Big Ten but the entire nation all season. On Tuesday, the top performers on the unit were recognized.
Safety Malik Hooker, defensive end Tyquan Lewis, linebacker Raekwon McMillan and cornerback Marshon Lattimore were all named first-team All-Big Ten performers, the conferenced announced on Big Ten Network. They are four of five Buckeyes recognized, as Gareon Conley received second-team honors from the coaches. The media voted Lattimore to its second team.
Hooker, McMillan and Lewis are all unanimous choices for the first-team defense as voted on by the coaches and media. Lattimore made the coaches first team.
Hooker leads the Buckeyes and is tied for fourth nationally with six interceptions this season. He returned three for touchdowns, including one against Michigan that put the Buckeyes out front in the second quarter of their 30-27 double overtime win on Saturday. He three career pick-sixes are an Ohio State record. The redshirt sophomore also has 67 total tackles, five for a loss and half a sack this season.
McMillan leads Ohio State and is 18th in the Big Ten with 87 total tackles. A true junior, this is his second first-team All-Big Ten nod. He also forced two fumbles, broke up four passes, has one sack and five tackles for loss this season.
Lattimore is second on the team with four interceptions and returned one for a touchdown.
Conley has three interceptions this season, has broken up eight passes and defended 11. The redshirt junior also has 20 tackles this season. Lewis, the Big Ten's Defensive Lineman of the Year, leads the team in sacks with 7.5 and tackles for loss with 10. A true junior, Lewis is one of the most consistent players on Ohio State's defensive line.
Kicker Tyler Durbin was named by the coaches and media to the Big Ten's third team. Parris Campbell received third-team recognition as a returner from the league's coaches.
A wide range of Buckeyes made honorable mention lists: linebacker Jerome Baker, defensive tackle Michael Hill, defensive end Jalyn Holmes, defensive end Sam Hubbard, cornerback Denzel Ward and safety Damon Webb.
The All-Big Ten offensive teams and individual awards are scheduled to be announced on Wednesday at 5 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network.
