Clemson DE Brown Named FWAA National Defensive Player Of The Week
By BigLeadSports
Brown, a 6-6, 255-pound senior from Charlotte, N.C., scored two touchdowns – one by interception return and one by fumble return – in Clemson’s 59-38 victory over North Carolina.
Brown’s feats made him the first Clemson defensive player since 1954 to score two touchdowns in the same game. In the second quarter, Brown made a leaping interception and returned it 20 yards for a touchdown to give Clemson a 24-10 lead. Late in the third quarter he picked up a fumble and ran 26 yards for a score.
He is also only the third FBS player to score touchdowns by interception return and fumble return in the same game in the last 12 years. In addition, he recorded two tackles and a pass break-up on the day.
Other defensive players who had strong performances this past weekend include:
• Marquese Wheaton, CB, Southern Mississippi: Five tackles (four solos) including a half tackle for loss, a pass breakup and two fourth-quarter interceptions, one for a 41-yard TD, in Southern Miss’ 27-3 win over SMU that moved the Golden Eagles into the Top 25.
• JoJo Nicolas, S, Miami (FL): In a 24-7 win over 20th-ranked Georgia Tech, Nicolas had an interception on Tech’s first offensive play from scrimmage that led to Miami’s first touchdown, had a fumble recovery and two tackles.
• Josh Kaddu, LB, Oregon: In a 45-2 slamming of Colorado, Kaddu had a career-best 10 tackles and two sacks.
• Bryon Hout, LB, Boise State: Had a career-high 18 tackles during a 37-26 victory against Air Force, including eight unassisted and a half tackle for loss.
• Chris Jones, DT, Bowling Green: Jones had six tackles, three sacks and one quarterback hurry in a 13-10 win over Temple.
• Desmond Marrow, DB, Toledo: In a 49-28 victory over Miami (OH), Marrow had six tackles and two interceptions.
Brown will be added to the 2011 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List. Five finalists for the Nagurski Trophy will be announced on Nov. 17.
The Bronko Nagurski Trophy will be presented to the best defensive player in college football on Dec. 12 by the FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, N.C.