Photo credit: sjsuspartans.com

By: Ana Kieu

San Jose State cornerback Dakari Monroe was named Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week. This nomination occurred just days after Monroe intercepted two passes and returned one for a touchdown to lead the Spartans to a 50-37 victory over the Rebels last Saturday.

Monroe’s two interceptions led to 10 Spartan points in their victory over UNLV. Monroe’s first interception led to a 50-yard field goal by kicker Bryce Crawford, who gave the Spartans a 17-7 lead over the Rebels. Moreover, Monroe is one of the most productive defensive backs in college football this season.

Monroe’s second interception happened near the start of the fourth quarter. Monroe’s 50-yard return was capped by a dive at the end zone pylon and increased San Jose State’s lead to 47-28 and was also the first time this season a Spartan returned an interception for a touchdown.

Monroe, a senior cornerback from San Jose, Calif., added two pass break-ups and six tackles in the home field win at CEFCU Stadium Saturday.

For the season, Monroe has four interceptions and 12 pass break-ups. Monroe ranks tied for third nationally in passes defended with two per game and tied for fifth nationally in interceptions per game with four in eight games.

San Jose State looks to make it two wins in a row on Saturday, November 3 at Wyoming. AT&T SportsNet has the television coverage beginning at noon MT. KLIV (1590 AM, San Jose) has local radio coverage beginning at 10:30 am PT.