TEMPE, Ariz. – Arizona State freshman linebackerMerlin Robertson was named the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week on Sunday morning.
Robertson's performance was one of the major factors in Arizona State's 16-13 win over then-No. 15 Michigan State on Saturday night. Playing in just his second game at the collegiate level, Robertson (Gardena, Calif./Junipero Serro) registered nine tackles, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one pass breakup. In the second half alone, Robertson recorded seven tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1.5 TFL, and one forced fumble.
Robertson's play helped the Sun Devil defense limit the Spartans to only 63 yards on the ground and a combined six points on Michigan State drives that went as far as the ASU 14-yard line (field goal), the ASU three-yard line (interception) and the ASU seven-yard line (field goal).
After the Sun Devils tied the game at 13-13 in the fourth quarter, the Spartans drove to the ball to ASU's 42-yard line. It was at that point one of the game's most pivotal sequences transpired as Robertson combined with teammate Darius Slade for ASU's first sack of the night for a loss of five yards. On the very next play, Robertson sacked Spartan quarterback Brian Lewerke, forcing a fumble which resulted in a loss of 10 yards. Michigan State punted the ball two plays later and the Sun Devils held onto the ball for the last 4:55 and capped their come-from-behind win with Brandon Ruiz' 28-yard field goal as time expired.
Robertson is the third Arizona State player to earn Walter Camp National Player of the Week honors since 2004, joining former Sun Devils Andrew Walter (QB, 11/7/04) and Jaelen Strong (WR, 10/5/14).
This is the 15th year that the Walter Camp Football Foundation will honor one offensive and one defensive player as its national Football Bowl Subdivision player of the week during the regular season. Recipients are selected by a panel of national media members and administered by the Foundation.
Currently 2-0 under first-year head coachHerm Edwards, the Sun Devils, ranked No. 23 in this week's AP poll, return to action on Saturday when they play at San Diego State (7:30 p.m. PT/TV: CBS Sports Network/Radio: ESPN 620 AM) in their first road game of the year.
Robertson's performance was one of the major factors in Arizona State's 16-13 win over then-No. 15 Michigan State on Saturday night. Playing in just his second game at the collegiate level, Robertson (Gardena, Calif./Junipero Serro) registered nine tackles, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one pass breakup. In the second half alone, Robertson recorded seven tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1.5 TFL, and one forced fumble.
Robertson's play helped the Sun Devil defense limit the Spartans to only 63 yards on the ground and a combined six points on Michigan State drives that went as far as the ASU 14-yard line (field goal), the ASU three-yard line (interception) and the ASU seven-yard line (field goal).
After the Sun Devils tied the game at 13-13 in the fourth quarter, the Spartans drove to the ball to ASU's 42-yard line. It was at that point one of the game's most pivotal sequences transpired as Robertson combined with teammate Darius Slade for ASU's first sack of the night for a loss of five yards. On the very next play, Robertson sacked Spartan quarterback Brian Lewerke, forcing a fumble which resulted in a loss of 10 yards. Michigan State punted the ball two plays later and the Sun Devils held onto the ball for the last 4:55 and capped their come-from-behind win with Brandon Ruiz' 28-yard field goal as time expired.
Robertson is the third Arizona State player to earn Walter Camp National Player of the Week honors since 2004, joining former Sun Devils Andrew Walter (QB, 11/7/04) and Jaelen Strong (WR, 10/5/14).
This is the 15th year that the Walter Camp Football Foundation will honor one offensive and one defensive player as its national Football Bowl Subdivision player of the week during the regular season. Recipients are selected by a panel of national media members and administered by the Foundation.
Currently 2-0 under first-year head coachHerm Edwards, the Sun Devils, ranked No. 23 in this week's AP poll, return to action on Saturday when they play at San Diego State (7:30 p.m. PT/TV: CBS Sports Network/Radio: ESPN 620 AM) in their first road game of the year.
