Carl Nassib Named the 2015 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year

Penn State senior defensive end Carl Nassib has been named the Big Ten's Nagurski–Woodson Defensive Player of the Year for the 2015 season. The former walk-on has been one of the top edge rushers in college football this year, and while he was not named the conference's Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year, he did walk away with a much more prestigious award.

While it may not come as a surprise to any Penn State fans, it is always great to see hard work and production recognized, especially for someone with a story like the 6-foot-7 beast of a lineman from West Chester, Pa. Unsurprisingly, Nassib was also named a first-team All-Big Ten selection by both the coaches and media.

Nassib has compiled 15.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss during his senior season. That's all the more impressive when you recall that Nassib played just four snaps over the final two games of the season due to an injury. Nassib is expected to be one of the more highly regarded edge rushing prospects in the 2016 NFL Draft, even though he only has one season as a starter under his belt.

Congratulations, Carl!