CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois outside linebacker Gabe Jacas was named the Walter Camp FBS National Defensive Player of the Week, the Walter Camp Football Foundation announced Tuesday. Jacas, the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, totaled 13 tackles, 2.5 sacks, two quarterback hurries, and a forced fumble in Illinois' 21-7 win over #24 Michigan.
Jacas is the second Illini to win Walter Camp FBS National Defensive Player of the Week honors this season, joining Xavier Scott (vs. Kansas).
Jacas set career highs in tackles (13) and sacks (2.5) in the victory. All 2.5 of his sacks came in the fourth quarter, as Illinois held Michigan to its fewest points in a decade.
Jacas' 2.5 sacks are the most by a player in a Big Ten Conference game this season. He moved up to tied for 12th in the nation in sacks for the season with 5.5.
Jacas and the Illini are ranked #20 in this week's AP Top 25 poll. Illinois hits the road to take on #1 Oregon on Saturday in Eugene.
