The Big 12 Conference has named West Virginia University junior safety Karl Joseph to its 2014 Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team, chosen by media representatives who cover the league.

 

Last week, Joseph was named to the watch list for the Maxwell Football Club’s Bednarik Award.

 

“It’s great that Karl has been recognized as one of the top players in the Big 12 Conference heading into the season” says WVU defensive coordinator Tony Gibson. “He has played a lot of football for us in the past two years and made a lot of plays. We look forward to him making a lot of plays for us again this season.”

 

Joseph finished with 68 tackles as a sophomore in 2013, as well as having two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, four pass breakups, an interception and three tackles for loss. He also ranked No. 1 in the Big 12 and No. 2 nationally in fumbles recovered. He finished with five or more tackles in seven games and five or more solo tackles in six games.

 

The 2014 Big 12 preseason team was dominated by upperclassmen with 18 seniors and five juniors among the 26 honorees. Eight players were named to the 2013 All-Big 12 First Team while 11 were on the second team.

 

Individual selections include quarterback Bryce Petty (Baylor) as Preseason Offensive Player of the Year,  lineman Devonte Fields (TCU) as Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and wide receiver Tyreek Hill (Oklahoma State) as Preseason Newcomer of the Year.

 

The media Preseason Big 12 Poll will be released on Thursday, followed by the annual Big 12 Football Media Days to be conducted in Dallas on July 21-22. Live video coverage, including press conferences and one-on-one interviews with a variety of guests, will be featured both days on the Big 12 Digital Network, including Big12Sports.com. The Big 12’s social media sites will also provide a unique perspective of Big 12 Football Media Days.

 

2014 Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team

 

Offensive Player of the Year:              Bryce Petty, Baylor, QB

Defensive Player of the Year:             Devonte Fields, TCU, DL

Newcomer of the Year:                        Tyreek Hill, Oklahoma State, WR

 

More information can be found at WVUSports.com. 
 

Editor's Note: Photo courtesy of WVU Sports Communications, photo by Dale Sparks