Phil Steele labels Klein, Knott first-team All-Big 12

The following is a press release sent out by Iowa State athletic communications. 

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State linebacker A.J. Klein has been named a fourth-team All-American by Phil Steele’s 2012 College Football Preview. Klein and his Cyclone linebacking mate Jake Knott were both selected first-team All-Big 12.

Klein and Knott combined for 131 tackles last season. Jake McDonough, the defensive tackle who made 35 tackles and had 3 ½ sacks last fall, was a second-team All-Big 12 pick. James White, who rushed for 743 yards and eight touchdowns last season, earned third-team preseason All-Big 12 honors from Phils Steele’s 2012 College Football Preview.

Cyclone tight end Kurt Hammerschmidt, center Tom Farniok and punter Kirby Van Der Kamp were fourth-team All-Big 12 honorees.