AUBURN, Ala. – The Maxwell Football Club recognized Auburn pass-rusher Jalen McLeod as its Chuck Bednarik Award Player of the Week on Tuesday.
In Auburn's 48-10 win at Arkansas on Saturday, McLeod led the Tigers with nine tackles. Four of the nine tackles went for a loss, including three sacks, and he forced a fumble. His three sacks were the most by an Auburn player in a game since Derick Hall recorded three against Alabama in 2021. His nine tackles were a game high for McLeod while at Auburn.
McLeod was also named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week and the Pro Football Focus (PFF) National Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts.
The Appalachian State transfer, playing in his first year at Auburn, now has 36 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks on the season. His 5.5 sacks are second on the team to Marcus Harris (6). He's also forced a fumble and recovered a fumble for the Tigers.
Led by McLeod, the Auburn defense has had five sacks against both Arkansas and Vanderbilt the last two weeks. Eleven Auburn players have recorded a sack in 2023, and 22 players have had a hand in at least one TFL through the first 10 games.
𝐁𝐄𝐒𝐓 defender in the entire nation 🦅@_JayRashaan is honored as the Bednarik Defensive Player of the Week by @MaxwellFootball!
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) November 14, 2023
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