Penn State finishes with 10 players on 2022 All-Big Ten defensive teams

Story posted November 29, 2022 in

Penn State’s 2022 campaign came to a close on Saturday with a 35-16 victory over Michigan State.

The Nittany Lions finished the year with a 10-2 record, and on Tuesday, the Big Ten announced its All-Defensive team.

Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. was named a unanimous All-Big Ten first-team selection after recording 27 tackles and 11 pass breakups.

Porter Jr. wasn’t the only player receiving conference recognition.

Freshman linebacker Abdul Carter was named to the second team by the media, and defensive tackle PJ Mustipher was selected by the coaches.

Carter led the blue and white with 10.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, while Mustipher established himself as one of the nation's best defensive linemen.

On the third team came two defensive backs, safety Ji’Ayir Brown and cornerback Kalen King, named by both the coaches and media.

King led the Big Ten in pass deflections with 18 while recording two interceptions, and Brown had a team-high 66 tackles along with three interceptions and five quarterback hits.

Mustipher was also named to the third team by the media, while Carter was named by the media. Joining Mustipher and Carter on the second team was Adisa Issac, who finished second in sacks and tackles for loss.

Defensive end Chop Robinson and linebacker Curtis Jacobs were named unanimous honorable mentions.

Cornerback Johnny Dixon and Issac were named honorable mentions by the media, and defensive end Nick Tarburton was an honorable mention by the coaches.

Alex Rocco is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email alex.rocco1702@gmail.com.