Ten Gophers defensive players get recognized by Big Ten

Published Nov. 30, 2015 9:43 p.m. ET

foxsports

Coaches and media members recognized 10 Minnesota Gophers defensive and special teams players on Monday, when the league released postseason honors.

The Gophers had four players named as All-Big Ten third teamers, including two from the secondary and two from the special teams.

Defensive back Eric Murray was one of two Gophers to be honored by both the coaches and the media, after recording 64 tackles this season. Punter Peter Mortell was the other representative from Minnesota to land on the coaches and media's all-conference third team list. Mortell averaged 43.9 yards per punt in his career and had 72 punts downed inside opponents' 20-yard-line, including 26 this season.

Kicker Ryan Santoso was tabbed a third-teamer by the coaches and honorable mention by the media, after connecting on 15 of 19 field-goal attempts. Defensive back Briean Boddy-Calhoun took third team honors from the conference's media and was an honorable mention pick by the league's coaches, after the senior registered 43 total tackles and three interceptions.

The Gophers' honorable mention honorees included: linebacker De'Vondre Campbell; defensive lineman Theiren Cockran; linebacker Jack Lynn; defensive back Jalen Myrick; linebacker Cody Poock; and defensive tackle Steven Richardson.

The Gophers ended the regular season 5-7 overall and still have an outside chance of receiving a bowl invitation.

The Big Ten is set to announce its offensive honorees on Tuesday.