SAN FRANCISCO -- A pair of defensive standouts garnered All-Pac-12 recognition to lead Stanford football, the conference announced Tuesday. Senior defensive lineman Thomas Booker and junior defensive back Kyu Blu Kelly were both second-team selections, while offensive linemen Branson Bragg and Drake Nugent, quarterback Tanner McKee and tight end Benjamin Yurosek earned honorable mention recognition.
Booker managed 59 tackles on the season -- the most of his career -- with 5.0 TFLs and 1.5 sacks. The senior from Ellicott City, Md., added six quarterback hurries and blocked a PAT on the road at Washington State. Booker was named to the All-Pac-12's second team along the defensive line as a junior, while garnering first team honors at the all-purpose/special teams position. He is also a finalist for the Senior CLASS Award and the William V. Campbell Trophy.
A junior from Las Vegas, Nev., Kelly established himself as one of the nation's top cornerbacks in 2021. Kelly led the Pac-12 with 13 passes defended -- two interceptions and 11 pass breakups, and ranks in the top 25 nationally in the category. Kelly's 42 solo tackles (and58 total), ranked second on the team, and he returned an interception 31 yards for a touchdown -- the first of his career -- in the upset victory at No. 14 USC in September, earning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week honors in the process.
Honorable Mention Notables
Branson Bragg- Started nine games along the offensive line before suffering a season-ending injury at Oregon State. Bragg started at both right guard and right tackle this year.
Tanner McKee- Scored 19 total touchdowns on the season to set the program record for a freshman. He became only the third freshman in program history to pass for 2,000 yards in a season, throwing for 2,327.
Drake Nugent- Started all 12 games at center, making his first career start in the opener against Kansas State.
Benjamin Yurosek- Led the team with 658 receiving yards -- one of two tight ends in the conference to have at least 600 yards in 2021. His 15.3 yards per reception rank third among Power-5 tight ends averaging at least 3.5 receptions per game, while his 13 receptions of 20+ yards is fifth among all tight ends.
All Pac-12 Second Team
- Thomas Booker
- Kyu Blu Kelly
All Pac-12 Honorable Mention
- Branson Bragg
- Tanner McKee
- Drake Nugent
- Benjamin Yurosek