CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Illinois safety Kerby Joseph was named All-Big Ten First Team by the Associated Press, the organization announced Tuesday. It is Joseph's second first team honor of the year after he was voted to the Big Ten's official all-conference team by the media last week. 

Joseph was one of the most improved players in the nation in 2021. He tied for the nation lead in interceptions (5) - including four in Big Ten games - and tied for third in the nation in fumbles recovered (3). Joseph was the No. 1 graded defensive back in the nation according to PFF in the regular season.

Joseph was Illinois' first All-Big Ten first team defensive back since Vontae Davis in 2008. He is Illinois' first All-Big Ten safety since Marlon Primous in 1989 and the fifth Illini safety in the last 50 years to earn first-team honors, joining Mike Gow (1973), Craig Swope (1983), Glenn Cobb (1988), and Primous (1989).

Kerby Joseph - 2021 Honors
• All-Big Ten First Team (media)
• All-Big Ten Second Team (coaches)
• AP All-Big Ten First Team