Waterford's Hurd one of three UConn All-Big East football first-team picks

UConn's Zach Hurd, a redshirt junior guard from Waterford, was named to the All-Big East Conference football first team today, one of three Huskies to earn first-team honors.

Hurd, who started all 12 games at right guard, was joined on the first team by defensive end Lindsey Witten, who led the Big East in sacks, and linebacker Lawrence Wilson, who led the conference in tackles.

In addition, the Big East announced that UConn's Jasper Howard, who was stabbed to death on Oct. 18 following a Homecoming Day win over Louisville, was named honorary captain of the team.

The Huskies also had four second-team picks: running backs Andre Dixon and Jordan Todman, linebacker Greg Lloyd and cornerback Robert McClain.

The major awards went to Pittsburgh freshman Dion Lewis (Offensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year), Pittsburgh defensive linemen Greg Romeus and Mick Williams (Co-Defensive Players of the Year), Cincinnati's Mardy Gilyard (Special Teams Player of the Year) and Cincinnati's Brian Kelly (Coach of the Year).