It’s no secret that the B1G has some elite defenders, and a number of them were recognized for a prestigious award Wednesday.

The Lott IMPACT Trophy released its list of 20 quarter-finalists with seven B1G defenders featured on the list. Each one of these defenders is impressive in his own right, and there’s no denying they are having strong seasons for their teams.

According to the award’s website, the Trophy recognizes one defender annually who makes an IMPACT both on and off the field:

IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

Here are the B1G defenders who are quarter-finalists:

  • Mo Barry, LB, Nebraska
  • Joe Bachie, LB, Michigan State
  • A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa
  • Jordan Fuller, DB, Ohio State
  • Yetur Gross-Matos, DL, Penn State
  • Khaleke Hudson, LB/S, Michigan
  • Chris Orr, LB, Wisconsin