Rondale Moore, Markus Bailey Named to all-Big Ten Teams

Purdue’s defense had its moments this season, but for the most part it struggled. We had the worst pass defense in the Big Ten and one of the worst in America. The run defense was okay, but wore down in games because of lack of depth.

There were a few standouts, however, and they were honored tonight as the Big Ten released its all-Big Ten teams for defense. The offense will be named tomorrow.

Markus Bailey

Second Team all-Big Ten (Coaches)

Third Team all-Big Ten (Media)

Personally, I think Bailey should have been higher. He led the conference with 74 solo tackles and was the leader of the entire defense. He finished the year 104 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, a forced fumble, 3 passes defensed, 2 pass break-ups, and a 41-yard interception he returned for a touchdown against Ohio State. It was an all-around great season for Bailey, who has a shot at declaring early for the NFL draft in April.

Joe Schopper

Third Team all-Big Ten (Coaches)

Our senior punter receives a solid honor to close his career! He averaged 43.1 yards per punt this season and downed 21 of 56 kicks inside the 20. he also had a career long 74-yard punt at Michigan State.

Rondale Moore

First Team all-Big Ten Return Specialist (Coaches)

Second Team all-Big Ten Return Specialist (Media)

It’s the first First Team selection for any Purdue played since Cody Webster in 2013. He will very likely be named as a First Team receiver tomorrow night as well. Moore did not return a kick for a touchdown, but had 599 kickoff return yards and 82 punt return yards on his way to over 2,000 all-pupose yards. He was a dangerous return man all season long and came close to breaking several kicks.

Defense Honorable Mention (Coaches)

Antonio Blackmon, Derrick Barnes, Jacob Thieneman, Lorenzo Neal

Defense Honorable Mention (Media)

Antonio Blackmon, Kenneth Major, Jacob Thieneman, Lorenzo Neal

I love seeing Blackmon here after being a former walk-on. He was incredible in the Ohio State game and might be the largest reason we won that one. Major led the team with three intereceptions as a redshirt freshman. Thieneman missed the final two games, but also did a great job as a former walk-on. Neal was solid in the middle of the defense. Barnes energed as a player that could play with bad intentions and had 82 tackles with three sacks.