Nagurski Player of the Week
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Illinois senior linebacker Dele Harding was named the Bronko Nagurski Trophy National Defensive Player of the Week on Tuesday, the Football Writers Association of America announced. Harding, who was also the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, filled up the stat sheet with 12 tackles, 2.0 TFLs, one forced fumble, and an interception returned for a touchdown in a 38-10 win over Rutgers.
Both of Harding's turnovers against Rutgers led to Illini touchdowns, one directly on his 54-yard pick-six, while the forced fumble was recovered by Stanley Green and setup touchdown by the Illini offense on the ensuing drive.Â
Harding became just the second player in the nation in the last 20 seasons to have 12+ tackles, 2.0+ TFL, 1+ forced fumble, 1+ interception, and 1+ touchdown in a single game (Kentucky's Mike Edwards vs. Middle Tennessee 11/17/2018). He was also named to the Pro Football Focus (PFF) National Team of the Week.
Harding leads the Big Ten and ranks fourth in the nation in tackles per game (11.8). He is the No. 21 graded linebacker in the nation by PFF (78.5) and No. 12 in Power-5.
Harding joins Jake Hansen, who was the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week after Illinois beat Wisconsin, as the Illini's second National Defensive Player of the Week this season.Â
