Northern Iowa's James Ruffin has been named the Missouri Valley Conference's most valuable defensive player of the year, the league announced today.

The junior defensive end has recorded 57 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss and eight sacks. He becomes the sixth Northern Iowa player to win the award, joining Mark Farley (1985), William Freeney (1991 and 1992), Andre Allen (1993 and 1994), Adam Vogt (2001) and Brannon Carter (2007).

Ruffin and four other Panthers were named first-team all-conference. Named to the defensive squad were lineman Everette Pedescleaux, linebacker Josh Mahoney and defensive back Darrell Lloyd. Lineman Austin Steichen was a first-team choice on defense.

Second-team offensive picks included quarterback Pat Grace, running back Corey Lewis, fullback Ryan Mahaffey and lineman Austin Howard. Linebacker De'Veon Harris, defensive back Terrell McMoore and lineman Jeremy Robertson were named on defense.

Return specialist Jarred Herring, offensive lineman Bob Swift and linebacker Jamar Thompson were honorable mention.

Northern Iowa will play host to New Hampshire in the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs at 6 p.m. Saturday inside the UNI-Dome.