Carbondale Reporter

Senior linebacker Shug Walker has been named the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) Defensive Player of the Week, according to an announcement from the league on Monday. This is the first time Walker has received this honor in his collegiate career.

Walker’s recognition follows a strong performance in Southern Illinois University’s 55-27 win over Indiana State, where he recorded a personal best of 12 tackles, tying teammate Ben Fiegel for the team lead. Two of those tackles were for loss, which was also a team-high. In addition to his tackling, Walker contributed two pass breakups during the game. One of these led to defensive end Donnie Wingate’s first career interception.

Before Saturday's game, Walker had accumulated four pass breakups over 40 games with both Southern Illinois and Murray State.

Walker is the second Saluki to receive MVFC weekly honors this season. Linebacker Chris Presto earned Defensive Player of the Week after Southern Illinois’ victory against SEMO on September 22.

The Salukis currently hold a 4-1 record overall and are 1-0 in conference play, having won three consecutive games. Their next matchup is scheduled for Saturday at 2:30 p.m., when they will travel to Fargo, North Dakota to face top-ranked North Dakota State.

Other MVFC weekly award winners include Jerry Kaminski (North Dakota) as Offensive Player of the Week, Max Pelham (South Dakota State) as Special Teams Player of the Week, Alex Bullock (South Dakota State) as Newcomer of the Week, and Shane Willenbring (South Dakota State) as Offensive Lineman of the Week.

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