Rutgers’ Kyle Monangai Named Big Ten First Team
Rutgers senior running back Kyle Monangai made program history on Tuesday when he became the first-ever Rutgers football player to receive First Team Big Ten honors unanimously from both the coaches and media.
Monangai was second in the Big Ten in rushing yards with 1,279, the most by any Rutgers player since the program joined the Big Ten. He ran for 100 yards in six of the Scarlet Knights’ 11 games this season, all while recording a touchdown in nine different games. He was also second in the Big Ten in scoring with 14 touchdowns (13 rushing, one receiving).
Over the course of his spectacular career, Monangai amassed 3,221 yards, which is second in program history, 27 rushing touchdowns, and 13 100-yard rushing games, which is third in program history.
Before Monangai, the last Rutgers player to receive First Team Big Ten recognition was receiver Leonte Caroo who earned First Team Big Ten honors from the media and was an honorable mention for the coaches.
RUTGERS 12
Monangai wasn’t the only Scarlet Knight that went home with Big Ten honors. Overall 12 Rutgers players were recognized for their efforts.
Offensive lineman Hollin Pierce received a unanimous Second Team All Big Ten by both the media and coaches. Linebacker Dariel Djabome received Third Team honors from the media. Honorable mentions include:
(Coaches): OL Kwabena Asamoah; Linebacker Dariel Djbome; Defensive lineman Dariel Djabome; DL Kyonte Hamilton; Defensive Back Robert Longerbeam; long snapper Austin Riggs, and reciever Ian Strong.
(Media): OL Kwabena Asamoah; DL Kyonte Hamilton; DL Aaron Lewis; DB Robert Longerbeam; DB Shaquan Loyal; LB Tyreem Powell; LS Austin Riggs; OL Gus Zilinskas.
And the Sportsmanship Award to offensive lineman Reggie Sutton.
