The Big Ten conference announced defensive postseason honors and coach of the year awards today and the Gophers were well represented. The conference will announce offensive awards on Wednesday.
Defensive back Antoine Winfield Jr. was named the Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year, becoming the first Gopher to ever receive the honor. Minnesota's last student-athlete to receive and individual Big Ten award was Emmit Carpenter, who was named the Bakken-Andersen Kicker of the Year in 2016.
Winfield, who is also one of five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Award, was also named All-Big Ten First Team by both the coaches and media.
"It's humbling to receive this recognition, but I could not have done it without my teammates and coaches," said Winfield. "They have been with me every day and pushing me to change my best and become the best player I could be, so I am definitely looking forward to sharing this award with them."
Winfield leads the team with 83 tackles, which includes 58 solo stops. He also has 3.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks this year to go along with seven interceptions and two forced fumbles. Winfield's seven interceptions tied a school single-season record and also ranks fourth in the NCAA this year.