IOWA CITY – University of Iowa senior linebacker Josey Jewell was named Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week following Iowa’s 24-3 win over Wyoming Saturday in Kinnick Stadium. The award was announced Sunday by the Walter Camp Football Foundation.
Jewell (6-foot-2, 236-pounds), a native of Decorah, Iowa, led Iowa with 14 tackles, including seven solo stops. His totals included two sacks, 2.5 tackles for loss, and one pass break-up. His QB pressure late in the game led to Iowa’s second interception. The sacks and tackles for loss match career bests.
Jewell’s effort led an Iowa defense that allowed just three points to Wyoming, as the Cowboy offense totaled just 233 yards total offense and converted just six-of-20 third and fourth down conversion attempts.
Jewell was named to five preseason award watch lists, including the Lott IMPACT Trophy, Bednarik Award, Butkus Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, and Wuerffel Trophy. In addition, he was named preseason first team All-American by the Associated Press, Athlon Sports College Sports Madness, and Sports Illustrated. He was also named as a Big Ten Preseason Player to Watch.
Jewell was a team captain in each of the past two seasons and was named Iowa’s Most Valuable Player on defense in 2016. He led the Big Ten in tackles in 2015 and ranked second a year ago. Jewell is tied for 16th in career tackles (315) with former linebacker Christian Kirksey.
The Hawkeyes (1-0) travel to Iowa State (1-0) Saturday (11:01 a.m., ESPN2) for the annual Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series game. Iowa returns home to host North Texas on Saturday, Sept. 16 (2:30 p.m., ESPN2).
