ASU’s Robert Nelson named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week

Arizona State’s Robert Nelson was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in the team’s 30-17 win over Oregon State.

The senior cornerback grabbed two interceptions in Saturday’s game, the second of which he returned for a game-clinching touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Nelson also added five tackles and a fumble recovery in the contest.

On the season Nelson has six interceptions, which ties him for fourth in the country and is the most by an ASU cornerback since 1987.

This is the fourth time in 2013 a Sun Devil was honored as one of the conference’s players of the week, the previous three being safety Alden Darby, kicker Zane Gonzalez and quarterback Taylor Kelly.

Nelson edged out Colorado’s Addison Gilliam, UCLA’s Erik Kendricks, Washington State’s Justin Sagote and USC’s Dion Bailey for the award.

Arizona State running back Marion Grice was nominated for Offensive Player of the Week, but the honor went to USC quarterback Cody Kessler.