Nov. 25, 2003
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Senior running back Jason Wright (Diamond Bar, Calif./Diamond Bar) was named a second-team All-Big Ten selection by the Conference coaches and media today. He earned honorable mention honors from both groups in 2002.
Three other Northwestern players were tabbed honorable mention selections by the media: sophomore defensive end Loren Howard (Scottsdale, Ariz./Saguaro), sophomore linebacker Tim McGarigle (Chicago, Ill./St. Patrick) and sophomore offensive tackle Zach Strief (Milford, Ohio/Milford). Howard and Strief also received honorable mention recognition from the Conference coaches.
Wright, who was named Northwestern's repeat Most Valuable Player on Sunday, led the Big Ten in scoring (120 points), total touchdowns (20) and rushing touchdowns (19). He ranks first nationally in rushing touchdowns heading into this weekend's action. Wright concluded the regular season with a career-best 251-yard rushing effort in Northwestern's 37-20 victory over Illinois. He also scored four touchdowns in that contest, the fourth time he has done that in his career.
Despite playing with a sore ankle the last half of the Big Ten season, Wright finished with a 95.9 yards per game rushing average and totaled 1,151 yards for the season. A two-time Big Ten Player of the Week this year, he became just the third NU player to record a pair of 1,000-yard rushing seasons in his career.
Howard led Northwestern in tackles for loss (15) and pass sacks (7), and led all defensive linemen with 65 tackles. He also was NU's leader in blocked kicks (2) and quarterback hurries (15). In two seasons as a full-time starter, Howard has moved into ninth place on NU's all-time TFL list with 28.5. He earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance against Penn State.
McGarigle led Northwestern in tackles (128) and had career-best performances against Penn State (19 tackles) and Wisconsin (17 tackles). He ranked fifth in Big Ten tackles per game. In two years, McGarigle has totaled 226 career tackles.
Strief led Northwestern's young offensive line, and played a key role in the Wildcats' 20th-ranked rushing offense. Strief helped Northwestern rush for over 200 yards per game. He led all NU linemen in "championship-game" performances (nine) this season.