Three Kansas State players – defensive back Ty Zimmerman, defensive end Ryan Mueller and wide receiver Tyler Lockett – each picked up All-America designations as the Associated Press, CBSSports.com and Sports Illustrated announced their All-America teams Tuesday.
Zimmerman was named to the third team by the Associated Press and was an honorable mention selection by Sports Illustrated. Mueller earned second-team honors from CBSSports.com and was an honorable mention pick by Sports Illustrated, while Lockett was an honorable mention all-purpose player by Sports Illustrated.
It was Zimmerman’s second and third All-America designations this season as he earned second-team honors from USA Today. The senior captain came away with 69 tackles in 10 games, including three for loss, and picked off three passes. He returned two of his interceptions for touchdowns to lead the Big 12 in that department. Last year, the Junction City, Kan., product was also honored by all three organizations.
A first-time All-America honoree, Mueller led the Big 12 during the regular season with 18.5 tackles for loss and tied the Kansas State single-season record with 11.5 sacks. A product of Leawood, Kan., the 2013 Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year has logged at least a half tackle for loss in every game, while he sits a half sack away from entering the Big 12’s single-season top 10 and 1.5 away from appearing on the school’s career top-10 list.
Lockett has now earned All-America consideration each year of his career. The junior was named the 2013 Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year as he led the conference in all-purpose yards at 151.4 yard per game, over 22 yards per game better than the player in second place. He enters the bowl season ranked 14th nationally in all-purpose yards and 11th in the nation with 104.2 receiving yards per game.
Kansas State travels to Tempe, Ariz., to take on Michigan in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, December 28, at Sun Devil Stadium. The game, which will be televised nationally on ESPN, is set for a 9:15 p.m. (CT) kickoff.
— KSU Sports Information —