By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – True freshman Jalon Baker had an incredible game for the Tennessee Tech football team on Saturday, helping to set up the Golden Eagles' 28-17 win over Southeast Missouri.
His efforts were recognized on Monday as he was named an honorable mention for STATS FCS National Defensive Player of the Week as well as the Ohio Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week by the College Sports Madness website.
Baker, a freshman out of Valdosta, Ga., recorded 10 total tackles and a sack, but it was the takeaway that proved to be a momentum-shifter. With Southeast Missouri driving, Redhawk quarterback C.J. Ogbonna attempted a pass, but Tavian Johnson was able to tip the ball. Baker was there for the interception at the SEMO 40 and returned it to the 25. On the next play, Willie Miller threw a 25-yard touchdown strike to Quinton Cross to put the Golden Eagles on the board.
The 10 tackles stands as his career-best as he holds on to 18 total stops through five games.
The Golden Eagles return to action on Saturday as they travel to North Carolina Central for a 1 p.m. contest. Following a visit to Nissan Stadium to take on Tennessee State next week, the Golden Eagles return home on November 23 to face Virginia-Lynchburg.
Photo | Christian Murphy