Illinois Receiver Isaiah Williams Named First-Team All-Big Ten

The Illinois Fighting Illini will not play in a bowl game this season, but they at least received some individual accolades.

On Wednesday, receiver Isaiah Williams was named First-Team All-Big Ten. He is the first Illini receiver to earn the honor since A.J. Jenkins in 2011.

Williams led the conference with 82 receptions. He finished with 1,055 yards, which was second only to Ohio State standout Marvin Harrison Jr. (1,211).

Williams had two winning touchdown catches, beating Minnesota and Indiana in the final minute or overtime. He has one year of eligibility but may test the NFL waters.

Here's a list of the other Illini players honored:

OT Julian Pearl (All-Big Ten Honorable Mention)
OT Isaiah Adams (All-Big Ten Honorable Mention)
OG Zy Crisler (All-Big Ten Honorable Mention)
OG Josh Gesky (All-Big Ten Honorable Mention)
C Josh Kruetz (All-Big Ten Honorable Mention)
RB Kaden Feagin (All-Big Ten Honorable Mention)
QB John Paddock (All-Big Ten Honorable Mention

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JER'ZHAN NEWTON NAMED DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF YEAR

Illinois defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton was named the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Year earlier this week.

He is the fourth Illini player to win the honor, joining Dana Howard, Darrick Brownlow and Moe Gardner. Newton led Power Five defensive tackles in quarterback pressures for a second straight year. He also led the Big Ten with 7.5 sacks at his position, finishing second overall in the conference. He also blocked four field goals this season.

Newton totaled 52 tackles, 8.5 for losses.

Shandel Richardson is the publisher for Illini Now. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com.