Five Cyclones named to AP All-Big 12 teams

Nov 3, 2018; Lawrence, KS, USA; Iowa State Cyclones running back David Montgomery (32) is tackled by Kansas Jayhawks defensive lineman KeyShaun Simmons (98) in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Iowa State had five players named to the Associated Press’ All-Big 12 team on Friday, the most such selections for the Cyclones since they had five in 1977.

David Montgomery headlined the group as he joined Kansas State’s Alex Barnes as running backs on the first-team. The junior from Cincinnati, who is appearing on the team for the second year in a row, rushed for 1,092 yards and 12 touchdowns during the regular season.

Wide receiver Hakeem Butler, defensive tackle Ray Lima, cornerback Brian Peavy and safety Greg Eisworth were all second-team selections.

Butler leads the nation in yards per reception and set a new Iowa State single-season record for receiving yards this year. Lima, Peavy and Eisworth helped anchor one of the top statistical defenses in the Big 12 and one of the best defensive units in Iowa State history.

Oklahoma’s Kyler Murray was the unanimous Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year while West Virginia’s David Long took home Defensive Player of the Year honors. Oklahoma’s Lincoln Riley was named the league’s Coach of the Year. Kansas all-purpose back Pooka Williams was named the Freshman of the Year but noted that voting for the award closed prior to Williams’ arrest on Friday for suspicion of domestic battery.

Iowa State’s five Associated Press All-Big 12 selections are the program’s most in the Big 12 era, eclipsing last season’s mark of four. The Cyclones have had five AP All-Conference players on one team only twice before in 1972 and 1977 when the league was still the Big Eight.

Jared Stansbury

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Jared a native of Clarinda, Iowa, started as the Cyclone Fanatic intern in August 2013, primarily working as a videographer until starting on the women’s basketball beat prior to the 2014-15 season. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State in May 2016, Jared was hired as the site’s full-time staff writer, taking over as the primary day-to-day reporter on football and men’s basketball. He was elevated to the position of managing editor in January 2020. He is a regular contributor on 1460 KXNO in Des Moines and makes regular guest appearances on radio stations across the Midwest. Jared resides in Ankeny with his four-year-old puggle, Lolo.

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