Phil Steele Postseason All-Independent Teams announced

Fifteen members of the BYU football team were named to Phil Steele's Postseason All-Independent first and second teams announced Tuesday.

Six offensive players, seven defensive and two special teams players were recognized. BYU had nine players make the first team and six earned second team honors. Notre Dame led with 19 total selections to BYU's 15, followed by 10 apiece from Army and Navy.

The Cougars tied with Notre Dame with five players each selected to the first team defense. BYU leads the independents and is No. 3 nationally in total defense, allowing 266.3 yards per game. The Fighting Irish are No. 6, allowing 286.8 yards.

Defensive lineman Ezekiel Ansah, linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Brandon Ogletree, along with defensive backs Daniel Sorensen and Jordan Johnson pulled in first team defensive accolades. Defensive back Preston Hadley and defensive lineman Romney Fuga made the second team.

Wide receiver Cody Hoffman and offensive lineman Braden Hansen represented BYU on the first team offense with freshman running back Jamaal Williams, tight end Kaneakua Friel, wide receiver Ross Apo and offensive lineman Braden Brown on the second team.

On special teams, punter Riley Stephenson and returner JD Falslev earned a place on the first team. Stephenson is tops among independents and No. 2 in the nation with a 47.3-yard punt average. Falslev has a 9.6-yard return average and has a season-best return of 42 yards.