Brandon Graham, Zoltan Mesko, Donovan Warren named all-Big Ten

Brandon Graham, Zoltan Mesko and Donovan Warren, 3 of the few standouts in Michigan's disappointing season, were named all-Big Ten on Monday.

Graham, the national leader with 25 tackles for loss, and Mesko, one of 3 finalists for the Ray Guy Award, were chosen first team by both the conference media and coaches. Warren earned first-team honors from the media and second-team recognition by coaches.

No other Wolverines were selected for either team.

Brandon Graham was named a first-team, all-Big Ten member Monday night after leading the nation with 25 tackles for loss this season.

Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com

Wisconsin's John Clay was the consensus Offensive Player of the Year, while Michigan State's Greg Jones (media) and Penn State's Jared Odrick (coaches) shared Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Wisconsin linebacker Chris Borland beat out Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier for Freshman of the Year, and Iowa's Kirk Ferentz was named Coach of the Year.

Graham tied for second in the Big Ten with 9 1/2 sacks, while Mesko led the conference with a 44.5 yard per punt average. Warren intercepted four passes for the Wolverines, who lost their last five games and tied for last in the Big Ten.

Offensive guard Steve Schilling was an honorable mention all-conference selection by both the media and coaches.

(Complete list of all-Big Ten teams and honors here).

More Michigan notes

â€¢ Running back Brandon Minor will not require surgery on his injured left shoulder, running backs coach Fred Jackson said. "That's the good news," Jackson said. "But he’s been banged up pretty good."

â€¢ Jackson, Michigan's longest tenured assistant, said he plans to return for a 19th season. His son, Jeremy Jackson, has given the Wolverines a non-binding verbal commitment and plans to enroll in January.

â€¢ Tony Pauline of SportsIllustrated.com listed Warren among his draft sliders. Pauline wrote that Warren "looked like a star in the making early" in his career, but "has never taken his game to the next level." Warren said last week he'll explore his draft options this winter, and Pauline said "word is he will enter the draft."

â€¢ On Graham, Pauline said scouts have compared him to Denver Broncos linebacker Elvis Dumervil. Graham doesn't have prototype NFL size, but remains a likely high-round draft pick. "This may be an instance where size/speed numbers are discounted on draft boards for a prospect who is just a terrific player," Pauline wrote.

Dave Birkett covers University of Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at 734-623-2552 or by e-mail at davidbirkett@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.