By Jerry DiPaola

Published: Thursday, December 6, 2012, 11:52 a.m.
Updated: Friday, December 7, 2012

Pitt running back Ray Graham and defensive tackle Aaron Donald were named Thursday to the all-Big East first team, joining four teammates honored in voting by league coaches.

Graham, who recovered from a serious knee injury suffered only 14 months ago, rushed for a career-high 1,042 yards to finish fourth in the Big East. He also is joined on the team by his brother, Rutgers linebacker Khaseem Greene, who became the first player since Virginia Tech's Corey Moore in 1998 and 1999 to repeat as the league's defensive player of the year.

Donald led the conference in tackles for a loss (19, sixth in the nation).

Pitt wide receivers Devin Street and Mike Shanahan, safety Jason Hendricks and center Ryan Turnley were named to the conference's second team. Shanahan finished second in the Big East with 926 yards receiving. He recorded 58 receptions, five for touchdowns. Street was second with 66 receptions, for 892 yards and four scores.

Hendricks led the Big East with five interceptions, 11th in the nation.

Also, Schenley graduate Greg Blair, a Cincinnati linebacker, was named to the first-team defense.

Others honored include:

• Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, offensive player of the year.

• Temple running back Matt Brown, special teams player of the year.

• Temple linebacker Tyler Matakevich, rookie of the year.

• Coaches Charlie Strong of Louisville and Kyle Flood of Rutgers, coaches of the year.

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