June 7, 2011

EVANSTON, Ill. -- It is time once again for preseason football magazines to publish predictions and preseason awards for the quickly arriving 2011 college football season. As they are announced, we will aggregate those honors afforded to Northwestern below.

PHIL STEELE

Recently, Phil Steele's 2011 College Football Preview announced its own preseason awards for the Big Ten. Quarterback Dan Persa and defensive end Vince Browne, both with first-team All-Big Ten selections, led a group of ten Wildcats who earned All-Big Ten accolades.

Following Persa offensively are wide receiver Jeremy Ebert, tight end/superback Drake Dunsmore and offensive tackle Al Netter, who each earned second-team honors. Center Ben Burkett earned a fourth-team spot, and wide receiver Venric Mark garnered both a second-team selection for kick returning and a fourth-team selection for punt returning.

On the defensive side of the ball, safety Brian Peters garnered second-team honors, while cornerback Jordan Mabin and punter Brandon Williams both earned fourth-team selections.

In the last five years, the number of Wildcats honored by the preseason publication has steadily risen with the success of the program. There were six players honored in both 2007 and 2008, seven in 2009 and nine in 2010.

LINDY'S SPORTS

Four Wildcats received recognition from Lindy's Sports in its annual preseason guide. Wide Receiver Jeremy Ebert and defensive end Vincent Browne each earned a first-team All-Big Ten honors, and offensive lineman Al Netter and safety Brian Peters both earned second-team honors from the national publication.

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