Defensive ends highlight eight Horned Frogs receiving All-Big 12 honors

By Colin Post

Published Nov 30, 2018

Ben Banogu had a career-high 10 tackles against Baylor. Photo by Jack Wallace

Led by defensive ends Ben Banogu and L.J. Collier, eight Horned Frogs were honored Wednesday by conference coaches as All-Big 12 selections.

Banogu and Collier were both first-team selections, making this the second-straight year for TCU’s starting defensive ends to make first-team. Banogu and Mat Boesen achieved the feat last year.

Cornerback Jeff Gladney, safety Ridwan Issahaku, offensive tackle Lucas Niang and wide receiver Jalen Reagor received second-team recognition, while defensive tackle Corey Bethley and linebacker Ty Summers were given honorable mention accolades.

Defensive end Ben Banogu (15) tackles Kansas running back Khalil Herbert. Photo courtesy of GoFrogs.com

Along with being first-team All-Big 12 for the second-straight year, Banogu is also an honorable mention for Defensive Lineman of the Year. The McKinney, Texas, native leads the team with 17.0 tackles for a loss (second-highest in the Big 12), 7.5 sacks, eight quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Second to Banogu with 9.5 tackles for a loss and 5.0 sacks, Collier also recorded five quarterback hurries and four pass breakups. He had a career-high eight tackles (4.0 for a loss) and 2.0 sacks in the Horned Frogs’ 14-13 win over Kansas State.

Gladney leads the Horned Frogs with 14 passes defended (3rd in the Big 12). This included one interception and 13 pass breakups. While holding Biletnikoff Award semifinalist Tylan Wallace to four catches for 64 yards, barely more than half of his season average, the New Boston, Texas, native had four pass break-ups and an interception, as TCU beat Oklahoma State 31-24 to become bowl eligible.

Jeff Gladney put a cherry on top of his phenomenal defensive season with a pick against OSU. Photo by Cristian ArguetaSoto

Issahaku leads TCU with two interceptions this season and comes in second with 74 tackles. In the win against the Cowboys, the senior had a career-high 12 tackles.

Niang played right tackle this season and was the only offensive lineman to start all 12 games this season.

Perhaps the most exciting part of TCU’s offense, Reagor leads the Horned Frogs with 72 receptions, 1,061 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns.

Jalen Reagor set several school records this season as one of the Big 12’s most electric players. Photo by Cristian ArguetaSoto

Bethley also started every game this season and he is third on the team with 8.5 tackles for a loss and four sacks. His season was highlighted by a two sack, five tackle game in a win over SMU.

Summers recorded 44 stops, including 5.5 tackles for a loss and 3.0 sacks. This year splitting time between linebacker and defensive end, Summers reached 315 career tackles, which ties with Jason Phillips (2005-08) for the second-most in Gary Patterson’s 18-year career as head coach.