Here Are The Big Ten Players On The Preseason AP All-American Team

With the college football season set to kickoff with five games this Saturday, the Associated Press has released their preseason All-America teams. The AP has announced their first and second team units, with a few Big Ten players getting the nod. 

Penn State and Ohio State led the way in the Big Ten, with two players each. Penn State was one of three teams (along with FSU and LSU) to have two players make First-Team All-American. Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, Northwestern and Michigan all had one player make first or second team All-American.  

In total, nine Big Ten players were named first or second team All-American. The Big Ten also ended up with both tight end spots. Check them out below. 

FIRST TEAM
Offense
RB - Saquon Barkley, Jr., Penn State
TE - Mike Gesicki, Jr. Penn State
C - Billy Price, Sr., Ohio State

Barkley is a Heisman threat, after rushing for 1,496 yards and 14 TDs last year. Gesicki had a breakout year as a junior, catching 48 passes for 679 yards and 5 TDs. Price moves to center after playing guard last year for the Buckeyes. 

Defense
LB - Josey Jewell, Sr., Iowa

Jewell is a tackling machine. He had 124 tackles and 6 TFLs last year, down from 126 and 7.5 in 2015. He did play one less game last year for Iowa. Expect more of the same this season. 

RELATED: Alabama, Ohio State, Florida State Top AP Preseason Top 25 Poll

SECOND TEAM
Offense
TE - Troy Fumagalli, Sr., Wisconsin

Fumagalli only has nine fingers (the left index had to be amputated as a baby), but that hasn't slowed him down. In Wisconsin's run-first offense, Fumagalli is an efficient blocker and produced 580 yards and 2 TDs on 47 passes. 

Defense
DE - Tyquan Lewis, Sr., Ohio State
DE - Rashan Gary, So., Michigan
LB - Tegray Scales, Sr., Indiana
S - Godwin Igwebuike, Sr., Northwestern

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Lewis, a captain for OSU, is one of several talented DL for the Buckeyes. Last year, Lewis racked up 10.5 TFLs and eight sacks. In 2015, he had 14 TFLs and eight sacks. Gary, the former No. 1 overall recruit, is everyone's pick to have a breakout season. He had just 5 TFLs and .5 sacks last season, but now that he's a starter, those numbers should explode. Scales is one of the best players you've never heard of. He led the nation with 24 tackles for loss last year, with seven sacks and 125 total tackles. Igwebuike did a bit of everything last year. The safety had 108 tackles, 6 TFLs, two picks, 7 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble and one fumble recovery. 

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Related Topics: Godwin Igwebuike, Mike Gesicki, Big Ten Football, Billy Price, Rashan Gary, Troy Fumagalli, Tyquan Lewis, Josey Jewell, Saquon Barkley, Tegray Scales, Big Ten Football News, Big Ten