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Kansas linebacker Joe Dineen Jr. (29) stops Texas Tech quarterback McLane Carter (6) on a run during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 at Memorial Stadium.
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A week after learning the Big 12’s coaches voted him a second-team all-conference linebacker, Kansas redshirt junior Joe Dineen picked up a national honor Thursday from Sports Illustrated with an even more prestigious ring to it: second-team All-American.
Dineen led the Big 12 not only in total tackles (137) this past season, but also solo tackles (93) and tackles for loss (25.0) — production that no doubt helped his case as SI’s writers and editors cast their votes.
Sports Illustrated selected Iowa’s Josey Jewell, Georgia’s Roquan Smith, Clemson’s Dorian O’Daniel and Auburn’s Jeff Holland as first-team All-America linebackers. Malik Jefferson of Texas, Sutton Smith of Northern Illinois and Oklahoma’s Ogbonnia Okoronkwo joined Dineen as linebackers on the second team.
Dineen’s 7.8 solo tackles per game led all FBS players, while his 2.1 TFLs on average ranked third nationally. His 25.0 TFLs set a new KU single-season record.
The Lawrence native and Free State High graduate also finished his redshirt junior year ranked sixth in the FBS in total tackles. Dineen added two pass breakups, two quarterback hurries and a forced fumble, as well.
Dineen became the first Jayhawk to pick up All-America honors from Sports Illustrated since 2007, when cornerback Aqib Talib was named to the publication’s second team.
Comments
[''] 4 years, 5 months ago
So he is second team All-Big 12 and makes 2nd Team All American now? I'm not saying he's not a great player but...
Eliott Reeder 4 years, 5 months ago
In other words, he should have been 1st team All Big 12.
Michael Maris 4 years, 5 months ago
Congratulations to Dineen in the Sports Illustrated 2nd Team All-American selection.
Brad Avery 4 years, 5 months ago
Kansas kid. The program could use a lot more of them.
Brian Wilson 4 years, 5 months ago
Spot on! Good point.
Brad Avery 4 years, 5 months ago
I thought KU's yet to play freshman. Billy Preston, had a great name. But Brian, you top even the "fifth Beatle." I just happen to be listening to the Beach Boys as I write. .
Andy Godwin 4 years, 5 months ago
Need an entire team of players with Joe’s no quit attitude. He played sideline to sideline until the whistle blew.
David Robinett 4 years, 5 months ago
Call Joe The Mayor!
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