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Photo by: Brad Rempel
Walley Named Big Ten Freshman of the Week
11/29/2021 10:00:00 AM | Football
Defensive back is second Gopher to be honored this year
University of Minnesota defensive back Justin Walley was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week after a standout performance in Minnesota's 23-13 win against Wisconsin. Walley is the first Gopher freshman defensive player to be named Big Ten Freshman of the Week.
Walley, who is a true freshman, made his first career interception on the third play of the third quarter against the Badgers. Walley picked off Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz on a contested ball near the Badger sideline. His interception gave Minnesota the ball at the Wisconsin 28-yard line. Two plays later redshirt freshman Ky Thomas scored on a two-yard touchdown and put Minnesota up 13-10.
Walley finished the game with a career high five tackles and helped Minnesota win Paul Bunyan's Axe for the second time in four years.
Walley came to Minnesota after a standout prep career at D'Iberville High School in D'Iberville, Mississippi. He was named 2020 Class 6A Mississippi Mr. Football after recording 55 tackles, two interceptions and two blocked kicks. He also rushed 106 times for 1,005 yards and 19 touchdowns and caught 28 passes for 329 yards and one touchdown as a senior in high school.
Walley is the second Gopher to be named Big Ten Freshman of the Week this year. Running back Mar'Keise Irving was honored on Nov. 1 after rushing for 110 yards and two touchdowns in a win at Northwestern.
Walley, who is a true freshman, made his first career interception on the third play of the third quarter against the Badgers. Walley picked off Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz on a contested ball near the Badger sideline. His interception gave Minnesota the ball at the Wisconsin 28-yard line. Two plays later redshirt freshman Ky Thomas scored on a two-yard touchdown and put Minnesota up 13-10.
Walley finished the game with a career high five tackles and helped Minnesota win Paul Bunyan's Axe for the second time in four years.
Walley came to Minnesota after a standout prep career at D'Iberville High School in D'Iberville, Mississippi. He was named 2020 Class 6A Mississippi Mr. Football after recording 55 tackles, two interceptions and two blocked kicks. He also rushed 106 times for 1,005 yards and 19 touchdowns and caught 28 passes for 329 yards and one touchdown as a senior in high school.
Walley is the second Gopher to be named Big Ten Freshman of the Week this year. Running back Mar'Keise Irving was honored on Nov. 1 after rushing for 110 yards and two touchdowns in a win at Northwestern.
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