Austin and Cole Named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten
Nov 30 | Football
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Rutgers football sophomores Blessuan Austin and Tariq Cole both earned honorable mention All-Big Ten status, the conference announced. Austin picked up the distinction in the media vote, while Cole collected recognition in the coaches' poll. In addition, fifth-year senior Julian Pinnix-Odrick represented the Scarlet Knights as a winner of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.
In his second season as a starting cornerback, Austin ranked second in the Big Ten and 10th nationally with 1.4 passes defended per game. He totaled 14 pass break-ups - the most by a Scarlet Knight since Logan Ryan had 17 in 2012 - with one interception. Eleven of his pass deflections came against Big Ten competition, as he also made 41 tackles with one sack and a fumble recovery over 11 games this past season. Austin becomes the first Rutgers defensive back to earn Big Ten recognition since the program joined the conference in 2014.
Cole took over the starting left tackle position in 2016 after playing in eight games the year before primarily as a member of the protection unit on field goals. The blindside blocker on pass protection, Cole started in 11 games and was credited for springing an 80-yard rushing touchdown in the win over New Mexico.
A captain, Pinnix-Odrick started all 12 games at defensive end and made 52 tackles, including team-highs with 10 stops for a loss and five sacks. He also broke up three passes and forced a fumble. The senior's best game statistically came in the victory over New Mexico after posting a career-high 12 tackles to pair with 1.5 sacks. A leader on and off the field, Pinnix-Odrick is credited with mentoring younger teammates and representing the program in a positive light.
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding football, follow the program on Twitter @RFootball.
