Northwestern University Athletics
Anthony Walker Named Big Ten Freshman of the Week
9/29/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
WATCH: NU at PSU Game Highlights
EVANSTON, Ill. -- A team-leading eight tackles and an interception returned 49 yards for a touchdown at Penn State helped Northwestern's Anthony Walker (Miami, Fla./Monsignor Pace) earn Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week accolades, the Conference announced on Monday.
The redshirt freshman was inserted into the Northwestern starting lineup for the first time, assuming the middle linebacker spot in the absence of injured senior Collin Ellis. Walker kept the Wildcats defense humming, helping keep Penn State out of the end zone in Northwestern's first victory at Beaver Stadium since 2004.
Walker, whose pick-six was the first by a Wildcat since Sept. 19 of last season, is the first NU player to earn Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors since Dan Vitale on Nov. 17, 2012. Walker shared this week's honor with Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett.
Walker and the Wildcats face another stern test on Saturday when they host No. 17/16 Wisconsin, the FBS leader in rushing yards per attempt (7.04) Saturday at Ryan Field. Kickoff is slated for 2:30 p.m. CT and tickets are available by visiting the NUsports.com online ticket office or by calling 888-GO-PURPLE.
••••••
Be the first to know what's going on with the 'Cats -- Follow @NU_Sports on Twitter and Instagram, become a fan of Northwestern Athletics on Facebook and sign up to receive promotional text alerts for the latest news, schedule updates and video and to interact with NU. For more information on following specific Northwestern teams online, visit our Social Media page!
