The All-Big Ten teams were announced Monday, and two Hoosiers found their names on it.
Senior linebacker Jeff Thomas and sophomore kicker Mitch Ewald were given All-Big Ten honorable mention honors. The coaches recognized both, while the media also recognized Ewald in the voting.
Thomas was the top tackler on the team, totaling 80, though he missed one game with a shoulder injury. He also paced the team in tackles for loss with 10.5. The senior was grateful for his time at IU after transferring from Foothill (Calif.) Community College.
"Nobody feels luckier to be on this team than me," Thomas said. "Being from California, I never would have met any of these guys."
Ewald, whom coaches also recognized as an honorable mention All-Big Ten player last season, made 13 of his 16 (81.25 percent) field goal attempts in 2011. With 29 field goals in his first two seasons, he currently ranks seventh in school history.
The Big Ten also recognized a player from each team for the Sportsmanship Award. Junior defensive tackle Adam Replogle won it this season for the Hoosiers after leading the team with four sacks. Replogle has played in all 36 games in his three seasons at IU and was named Team Captain Sunday at the IU football banquet.
