TicketsCINCINNATI — Cincinnati fifth-year defensive back MJ Cannon has been named the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week following his performance in the Bearcats' 37-24 victory over No. 8 Texas Tech, the Walter Camp Football Foundation announced Tuesday.
Cannon becomes just the third player in Cincinnati program history to earn Walter Camp National Player of the Week honors, joining quarterback Desmond Ridder (Oct. 25, 2020) and defensive end Jarell White (Nov. 15, 2020).
The Evanston, Ill. native, sparked two pivotal turnovers to swing momentum in Cincinnati’s favor against the Red Raiders. On Texas Tech’s opening offensive drive, Cannon forced a fumble that was recovered by Antwan Peek Jr. Later in the second quarter, Cannon picked off a pass that directly set up a Cincinnati touchdown drive before the half.
Saturday's performance marked Cannon’s second game of the season with both a forced fumble and an interception in the same contest, having previously accomplished the feat in the season opener against Boston College.
Cannon was also named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week on Monday.
Through seven games, Cannon has logged 37 total tackles, a team high three interceptions, four pass breakups and two forced fumbles.
The National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA) rollout of weekly honors includes the Walter Camp Foundation's selection of an Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week each Tuesday during the regular season.