Six Sooners were named to the All-Big 12 First Team as voted on by the league’s coaches, the conference announced Wednesday. OU’s offensive unit had four members receive first team status in running back Samaje Perine, wide receiver Sterling Shepard and offensive tackles Daryl Williams and Tyrus Thompson. On the defensive side of the ball linebacker Eric Striker and cornerback Zack Sanchez each earned the accolade.
In addition to his first-team honors, Perine was named the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year. He becomes the third Oklahoma running back to be picked as Offensive Freshman of the Year, joining Adrian Peterson (2004) and De’Mond Parker (1996). The Pflugerville, Texas, native led the Big 12 in rushing, totaling 1,579 yards on the year, including an FBS single game record-setting performance of 427 yards against Kansas (11/15). Perine also scored 21 rushing touchdowns, a Big 12 record for rushing touchdowns in a season by a freshman.
Perine becomes the first OU freshman to be named to the All-Big 12 First Team since linebacker Travis Lewis was recognized in 2008. The last freshman on offense to achieve the honor was Peterson in 2004.