Jordan Willis has been named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press.
The Kansas State senior defensive end earned the honor Tuesday morning after leading the conference with 11.5 sacks this season. Willis, a soft-spoken captain from Kansas City, was a true difference-maker for the Wildcats this year. He made 48 tackles, including 16.5 for loss, and also forced three fumbles while constantly rushing the quarterback.
Willis earned praise from K-State coach Bill Snyder and his teammates during the season.
“He plays so hard and is just one of those guys that you should not make a mistake with if you are on the other side of the ball,” Snyder said.