October 8, 2012 at 5:28 PM
Gerald Hodges named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week
Linebacker Gerald Hodges isn’t one to be showed up by Michael Mauti.
Hodges won Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against Northwestern — one week after Mauti took home the award for his record day at Illinois.
Hodges logged 11 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss. He also broke up two passes and forced a fumble recovered by freshman cornerback Da’Quan Davis.
“It was definitely a challenge,” Hodges said about covering Northwestern’s offense. “Every year, Northwestern tries to spread the offense and tire us out. But our coaches do a great job with the fast-paced offenses.”
Together, Mauti and Hodges have taken half of the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week laurels this season. Mauti received the honor after Navy and Illinois.
Hodges won the award twice last season. Against the Wildcats, Hodges had 14 tackles and an interception return for 63 yards. He set a career mark with 19 tackles against Illinois in 2011.