Nov. 23, 2009
University of Illinois senior offensive guard Jon Asamoah was named second-team All-Big Ten by both the coaches and conference media tonight as announced on the Big Ten Network. In addition to Asamoah, four other Illini gridders earned honorable mention accolades -- WR Arrelious Benn, RB Mikel LeShoure, DE Clay Nurse and QB Juice Williams.
Asamoah is a four-year starter at offensive guard, in which each of the previous three the Illini offense led the Big Ten in rushing (2006, 2007) and passing (2008). The Illini currently rank 24th in the nation in rushing and third in the Big Ten.
Benn and Williams entered the season as two of the most productive offensive players in the Big Ten. Benn surpassed the 2,000-yard receiving mark this year, while averaging 68.0 all-purpose yards a game. Williams is just 22 yards from becoming only the sixth conference player to pass the 10,000-yard total offense mark. He has rushed for over 2,400 yards and passed for over 7,500, while tossing 50 touchdown passes.
Leshoure and Nurse have broken onto the scene in 2009. Leshoure is currently leading the team in rushing with 59.6 yards per game, which ranks seventh in the conference, and averages 6.1 yards per carry. The sophomore has posted to 100-yard rushing games with 122 yards vs. Purdue and 150 against Michigan. Nurse, a junior defensive end put on a clinic against Minnesota with his four-sack performance, which was the second-best in school history. He has 5.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss, both ranking in the top-10 in the conference.
