Malik Jefferson earns Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year Award

The Big 12 Conference announced its All-Big 12 Conference football teams and individual award winners on Wednesday. Texas Linebacker Malik Jefferson was named Defensive Freshman of the Year.

Jefferson was second in total tackles (61) for the Longhorns behind senior Linebacker Peter Jinkens, who finished with 75.

Jinkens was named to the All-Big 12 Football Defense Second Team.

Senior Fullback Alex De La Torre was named to the All-Big 12 Football Offense Second Team.

Jefferson becomes the sixth Longhorn to be recognized as Defensive Freshman of the Year by the Big 12, joining CB Quandre Diggs (2011), DE Brian Orakpo (2005), DT Rodrique Wright (2002), LB Derrick Johnson (2001) and DE Cory Redding (1999).

A number of Texas players were named to the All-Big 12 Honarable Mention category including Davante Davis (DB), Michael Dickson (P), Holton Hill (DB), Desmond Jackson (DL), Malik Jefferson (LB), Daje Johnson (KR/PR), Hassan Ridgeway (DL), Charlie Strong (CoY), Duke Thomas (DB), Patrick Vahe (OL), Connor Williams (OL).