Ohio State's Johnathan Hankins, John Simon, Ryan Shazier, Travis Howard, Bradley Roby named first team 2012 All-Big Ten defense

While many Ohio State fans look to microanalyze perceived slights and craft persecution narratives for 2013 in the league's annual all-conference first and second team and individual player awards, a cadre of Ohio State Buckeyes took home honors recognizing them amongst the best players in the league for the 2012 season. Ohio State defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, defensive lineman John Simon, and cornerback Bradley Roby were recognized by the league's coaches as all-Big Ten first team defenders while linebacker Ryan Shazier and safety Christian Bryant were named to the second team. Safety C.J. Barnett and Howard were named honorable mention by the media.

The league's media recognized Simon, Shazier, Bradley Roby, and Roby's running mate, cornerback Travis Howard on their all-Big Ten first team, while Hankins was honored on the second team. Barnett and linebacker Etienne Sabino were named league honorable mention by the league's writers.

Even though Simon missed the final game of his collegiate career due to a bursa sac injury, Simon was also honored by the media as the winner of the Smith-Brown defensive lineman of the year. He finished the season with 22 solo tackles, 23 assists, an incredible 14.5 tackles for a loss, and 9 sacks. Four of those came in his final game as an Ohio State Buckeyes in the 21-14 overtime win over Wisconsin.