DALLAS (FWAA) – Illinois cornerback Eugene Wilson was named the Bronko Nagurski Defensive Player of the Week on Monday by a panel of FWAA members.

The FWAA (Football Writers Association of America) and the Charlotte Touchdown Club pick a Defensive Player of the Week each Monday. Wilson will be added to the Watch List for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy which will be presented on Dec. 10 in Charlotte, N.C., by the FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club.

Wilson, a junior, was the defensive star in Illinois’ 33-28 victory over Penn State last Saturday. He intercepted three passes (29 return yards), broke up five other passes and made three tackles. His three interceptions set up two Illinois scores. Wilson became the fourth Illinois defensive back to intercept three passes in a game.

2001 Bronko Nagurski Players of the Week:
• Sept. 10: James King, Central Michigan
• Sept. 24: Julius Peppers, North Carolina
• Oct. 1: Dan Dawson, Rice
• Oct. 8: Roy Williams, Oklahoma
• Oct. 15: E.J. Henderson, Maryland
• Oct. 22: Bob Sanders, Iowa
• Oct. 29: Jamie Burrow, Nebraska
• Nov. 5: Jermaine Petty, Arkansas
• Nov. 12: Eugene Wilson, Illinois
• Nov. 19: Jermaine Petty, Arkansas

Related News:
• Sept. 24: Charlotte Touchdown Club changes award date