Morris Named MWC Defensive Player of the Week

PROVO -- BYU senior middle linebacker Rob Morris has been named this week's Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Week after recording a game-high 15 tackles, including 14 solo tackles, in the Cougars' 30-7 win at San Diego State.

Morris collected a season-high five tackles for a combined loss of 30 yards, including three sacks for minus-25 yards. He also forced two key fumbles and recovered one. His forced fumble in the third quarter broke the game open when Hans Olsen scooped up the ball and ran for a 24-yard touchdown.

Morris entered his final season at BYU as one of the nation's leading candidates for the coveted Butkus Award, but was forced to miss four games with a sever lower abdominal/groin strain. Saturday's game against San Diego State marked Morris' third straight game with 13 or more tackles. Since returning from his injury, the 6-2, 250-pound bruiser has produced 41 tackles, averaging 13.7 takedowns per game. Despite missing four games, Morris ranks second on the BYU defense with 57 tackles on the season, including 36 solos.