The Big 12 announced its 2024 all-conference football teams and individual awards on Thursday, and the nine-win Colorado Buffaloes were well represented.
Three Colorado stars earned an individual award: quarterback Shedeur Sanders (Offensive Player of the Year), wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter (Defensive Player of the Year) and defensive end BJ Green II (Defensive Newcomer of the Year). Those three and 10 other Buffs were named All-Big 12 or All-Big 12 honorable mention.
According to the release, “Selections are made by the league’s head coaches, who are not permitted to vote for their own players.”
Below are the 13 Colorado players who earned an All-Big 12 distinction:
QB Shedeur Sanders (First-Team Offense)
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Shedeur Sanders set new Colorado school single-season records in passing yards (3,926), passing touchdowns (35) and completion percentage (74.2%).
CB/WR Travis Hunter (First-Team Offense, First-Team Defense)
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Along with earning the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and landing two First-Team honors, Travis Huner was an honorable mention for the Offensive Player of the Year.
DL BJ Green II (First-Team Defense)
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BJ Green II came to Boulder as a transfer from Arizona State and helped lead Colorado’s defensive line resurgence. The senior tallied 30 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, 12 TFLs and two forced fumbles.
LB Nikhai Hill-Green (Second-Team Defense)
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Hard-hitting linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green was second on the team in total tackles (82). He also recorded two interceptions and 11.5 TFLs.
DB Preston Hodge (Defensive Honorable Mention)
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Despite missing the Buffs’ final three regular season games due to injury, nickelback Preston Hodge finished the year with two interceptions and seven pass breakups.
PK Alejandro Mata (Kicker Honorable Mention)
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Fan favorite Alejandro Mata didn’t miss a single extra-point attempt during the regular season, finishing 53-for-53.
DE Taje McCoy (Defensive Freshman of the Year Honorable Mention)
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After redshirting last season, second-year freshman Taje McCoy burst onto the scene with three sacks and three TFLs.
CB DJ McKinney (Defensive Honorable Mention)
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Former Oklahoma State transfer DJ McKinney was a lockdown corner opposite Travis Hunter who snagged two interceptions in Colorado’s final three regular season games.
DT Chidozie Nwankwo (Defensive Honorable Mention, Defensive Lineman of the Year Honorable Mention)
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Defensive tackle Chidozie Nwankwo played a huge role in Colorado’s improved run defense.
OT Jordan Seaton (Offensive Honorable Mention, Offensive Lineman of the Year Honorable Mention)
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Former five-star prospect Jordan Seaton lived up to the hype throughout his true freshman season, leading a vastly improved offensive line.
S Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig (Defensive Honorable Mention)
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Safety Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig enjoyed a stellar senior season that should’ve earned him First or Second-Team All-Big 12 honors. Still, his NFL draft stock is on the rise.
WR LaJohntay Wester (Offensive Honorable Mention, Offensive Newcomer of the Year Honorable Mention)
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Another Buff worthy of First or Second-Team honors, LaJohntay Wester was second on the team in receiving yards (880) and touchdown catches (10).
P Mark Vassett (Punter Honorable Mention)
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Along with being a designated leader, Mark Vassett booted 19 punts that landed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.
