Iowa players named to Big Ten teams

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IOWA CITY (AP) — Iowa running back Shonn Greene has been selected the Big Ten’s Offensive Player of the Year. Teammate Mitch King was named the league’s Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year. The conference awards were announced Monday evening. Iowa athletics officials say Greene is the second Hawkeye to win the top offensive award under coach Kirk Ferentz. Brad Banks won the award in 2002. Offensive lineman Seth Olsen and tight end Brandon Myers join Greene and King as first-team all Big Ten selections for 2008. Seven Iowa players were named to the second all-Big Ten unit including punter Ryan Donahue, defensive tackle Matt Kroul, center Rob Bruggeman, offensive linemen Bryan Bulaga and Kyle Calloway, linebacker Pat Angerer and defensive back Amari Spievey. A.J. Edds and defensive backs Bradley Fletcher and Brett Greenwood were named to the honorable mention team. Greene has also been named one of three finalists for the Doak Walker Award, which honors the nation’s top running back. Michigan State’s Javon Ringer and Georgia’s Knowshon Moreno are also finalists. Greene has rushed for a team-record 1,729 yards this season and 17 touchdowns. His 6.2 yards per carry lead the nation among players with at least 215 attempts. Ringer has 1,590 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns, while averaging nearly two yards less per carry than Greene. Moreno has 1,244 yards and 15 scores. The winner will be announced on Dec. 11.