Congratulations to sophomore safety T.J. McDonald for being named the Pac-10 defensive player of the week for his performance against ASU.

McDonald blocked two punts (one partially) and led the team with 12 tackles against the Sun Devils. He also downed a punt inside the five yard line. McDonald leads the team in tackles (68) and INTs (3). He has been one of the most consistent and solid starters on defense all year.

T.J. is the son of former Trojan and San Francisco 49er Tim McDonald. Tim was a consensus All-American as a senior at USC in 1986 and was a six-time Pro Bowler in the NFL. He won Super Bowl XXIX with the 49ers. Tim coached T.J. at Edison High in Fresno.