Linebacker Shug Walker Named MVFC Defensive Player of the Week for First Time in Career
10/06/2025 | 3:00:00 | Football
ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Senior linebacker Shug Walker of the No. 8/9 Southern Illinois University football team has been awarded Missouri Valley Football Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors, as announced by the league on Monday.
This is the first time Walker has received this honor in his career, and marks the second time this season an SIU player has gotten the award. Fellow linebacker Chris Presto earned the recognition on Sept. 22 after Southern's win against SEMO.
Walker had a career day in Southern Illinois' 55-27 victory against Indiana State this past weekend, posting a career-high 12 tackles. This was also tied with linebacker Ben Fiegel for the most on the team.
Two of those tackles were tackles for loss, which was a team-high mark.
The senior from Bethalto, Ill., also had two pass breakups in the win. One of those breakups led to an interception by defensive end Donnie Wingate, the first of his career.
Prior to having two breakups on Saturday, Walker had recorded four pass breakups total in 40 games between his time as a Saluki and a Murray State Racer.
Up next for Walker and the Salukis, who are now 4-1 (1-0) and have won three-straight games, is a trip to Fargo, N.D., this Saturday at 2:30 p.m. for a battle with No. 1 North Dakota State.
Missouri Valley Football Conference Weekly Award Winners - Monday, Oct. 6
Offensive Player of the Week: QB Jerry Kaminski, North Dakota
Defensive Player of the Week: Shug Walker, Southern Illinois
Special Teams Player of the Week: P Max Pelham, South Dakota State
Newcomer of the Week: WR Alex Bullock, South Dakota State
Offensive Lineman of the Week: OL Shane Willenbring, South Dakota State
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