Mar 15 2009
2009 NFL All-Big East Team (Defense)
This is part VI in my new series that recognizes NFL all-collegiate teams based on conference in 2009. College football programs that have switched conferences in the last 15-20 years will be listed under their current conference.
In other words, you will see players like Ray Lewis (Miami, Fl) included in the Atlantic Coastal Conference, even though his alma mater technically played in the Big East Conference during his tenure there. This study also deals exclusively with players who are currently active in the NFL. Thus, you will not find legends like Joe Montana or John Elway included.
In keeping with the theme of the present day, active players have been assessed according to their current abilities. Therefore, future Hall of Fame candidates like Marvin Harrison who are now on the downside of their careers may not merit first or second team recognition in this study. This is strictly an all-conference team for 2009.
I. 2009 NFL ALL-BIG EAST TEAM (Defense)
A) Defensive Tackle
1st Team: John Thornton (WVU), Amobi Okoye (LOU)
2nd Team: Eric Foster (RUT), empty
2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Prospects: None
B) Defensive End
1st Team: Dwight Freeney (SYR), Trent Cole (CIN)
2nd Team: Elvis Dumervil (LOU), Dewayne White (LOU)
2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Prospects: None
C) Linebacker
1st Team: Keith Bulluck (SYR), Kawika Mitchell (USF), Gerald Hayes (PIT)
2nd Team: Clint Session (PIT), Gary Brackett (RUT), Brandon Johnson (LOU)
2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Prospects: None
D) Cornerback
1st Team: Darrelle Revis (PIT), Will Allen (SYR)
2nd Team: Anthony Henry (USF), Mike Jenkins (USF)
2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Prospects: Darius Butler (CON)
E) Safety
1st Team: Kerry Rhodes (LOU), Tanard Jackson (SYR)
2nd Team: Anthony Smith (SYR), Sam Madison (LOU)
2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Prospects: None
F) Kicker
1st Team: David Akers (LOU)
2nd Team: None
G) Punter
1st Team: Andy Lee (PIT)
2nd Team: None
II. Big East School Representation
A) 1st Team = 2 points, 2nd Team=1 point
B) Total points (offense + defense) indicated by parenthesis
1. Louisville 10 (15)
1. Syracuse: 9 (15)
3. Pittsburgh: 7 (14)
4. Rutgers: 2 (8)
5. West Virginia: 2 (6)
6. Cincinnati: 2 (5)
7. South Florida: 4 (4)
8. Connecticut: 0 (1)
Thanks for the reminder on Gary Brackett, Bryan. I’ve included him in the update, which now drops Syracuse down into a tie with Louisville for first. Sorry, Orangemen fans. David, it is a pretty impressive team. The biggest knock on this group would probably be the lack of depth in general. As for Syracuse, the majority of their NFL stars came out in the 1999-2002 era. The best players they’ve produced since then are Tanard Jackson and Anthony Smith.
Eric Foster for 2nd team DT?
His goal line stand against the Steelers was incredible.
Thanks for the comment, Charlie. The update will reflect this new inclusion.