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Redshirt senior defensive tackle Tyler Lancaster has been chosen by his teammates to wear the No. 1 jersey in the 2017 football season, as announced by Pat Fitzgerald on Twitter.
Proud to announce that @BigLanny6767 has been selected by his teammates for our family's highest honor!
— Pat Fitzgerald (@coachfitz51) August 5, 2017
1️⃣#B1GCats pic.twitter.com/VyEJXmHaKv
Lancaster started all 13 games at defensive tackle last season and recorded 28 tackles. His play has made him an anchor on Northwestern’s defensive line heading in 2017. He was named Defensive Player of the Week at Northwestern three time last season and also made All-Academic Big Ten. Prior to receiving the No. 1 jersey, Lancaster wore No. 67.
Every year, Northwestern’s players vote for a teammate to receive the No. 1 jersey. Last year, Anthony Walker Jr. sported the jersey in his final year at Northwestern.
“The No. 1 jersey, in our program, is used to recognize the young man who truly embodies the values and character of the Northwestern football family,” head coach Pat Fitzgerald’s description reads. “It is worn by someone who consistently dedicates himself as a great teammate, an excellent student and an influential member of our community. It is more than a flashy number. Here it represents a way of life.”
In addition to being a good defensive lineman, Lancaster is also a weight room legend. His Twitter handle (@BigLanny6767) is no understatement, as he is listed at 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds. Lancaster recently posted a video of him bench pressing 225 pounds (the NFL combine weight) 37 times:
Northwestern's Tyler Lancaster does 37 reps of 225 lbs (No. 32 on @BruceFeldmanCFB's Freaks list) https://t.co/njTPZp9i0Z
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) July 21, 2017
( : @NUFBFamily) pic.twitter.com/T3UnN6vDld
Congratulations to Tyler Lancaster for earning the No. 1 jersey!