The Big Ten announced its defensive and special teams all-conference honorees Tuesday, with a dozen Nittany Lions receiving recognition.

The coaches and media unanimously selected Saquon Barkley as the Big Ten’s top return specialist, while Marcus Allen notched a first-team nod from the coaches. The conference will release the All-Big Ten offense on Wednesday, then individual awards on Thursday.

A total of 9⃣ Nittany Lions earn All-B1G Defensive Honors as voted on by @B1Gfootball coaches & media! #WeAre pic.twitter.com/JHZPpsUhxg

— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) November 28, 2017

After leading Penn State’s defense with four interceptions, redshirt junior cornerback Amani Oruwariye earned second-team laurels. Five Nittany Lion defensive backs in total were recognized, but it was a rather mystifying decision to leave Grant Haley in the honorable mention category following a strong senior season.

Three specialists earn All-#B1G honors. Congratulations, @saquonb21, @Calle_Alectia & @blakegillikin! #WeAre pic.twitter.com/VhUDxORV1N

— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) November 28, 2017

Sophomore punter Blake Gillikin is a consensus second-team selection, while DeAndre Thompkins followed in Barkley’s footsteps as one of the Big Ten’s most dangerous returners.

Congratulations to Nittany Lion Brandon Smith, recognized as a @B1Gfootball Sportsmanship Award Honoree! #WeAre #PennStateProud pic.twitter.com/6QeSrfz8lD

— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) November 28, 2017

Senior linebacker Brandon Smith is enjoying a fantastic senior season, playing particularly well down the stretch in Manny Bowen’s absence from the lineup. He’s currently third on the defense with 55 tackles. Smith represented Penn State as the team’s sportsmanship award recipient.

Averaging 41.6 points per game, Penn State’s high-powered offense should see a large contingency of Big Ten honorees on Wednesday.