University of Memphis Athletics
Photo by: Matthew Smith
Avery Named TSWA Defensive Player of the Week
Oct 12, 2016 | Football
Junior linebacker earns honors after win over Temple.
MEMPHIS – Junior linebacker Genard Avery was named the Tennessee Sports Writers Association's (TSWA) Defensive Player of the week it was announced Wednesday. Avery tied a career-high with nine tackles in a comeback 34-27 win over American Athletic Conference defending East Division champion, Temple, last Thursday night.
With the score tied at 13 with 1:17 remaining in the third quarter, Avery picked off a pass jarred loose by teammate Shareef White and returned it 23 yards for his second pick six interception of the season. In addition to the interception return for a touchdown, Avery added nine tackles, eight unassisted, one sack and a quarterback hurry.
Avery, who was also named to the American Athletic Conference honor roll for Thursday night's performance, leads Memphis with 35 tackles. He leads Memphis with five tackles for loss, two interceptions and three quarterback hurries.
This is the first career honor for Avery from the TSWA and is also the first honor for a Tiger this season from the organization.
Memphis plays its next two games on the road in conference play, traveling to New Orleans for a Friday night game at Tulane. That game will be broadcast on ESPNU beginning at 7 p.m. (CT). Memphis then plays at Navy on Saturday, Oct. 22nd, at 2:30 p.m. (CT) in a game that will be carried on the CBS Sports Network. That will be Memphis' first-ever trip to Annapolis.
With the score tied at 13 with 1:17 remaining in the third quarter, Avery picked off a pass jarred loose by teammate Shareef White and returned it 23 yards for his second pick six interception of the season. In addition to the interception return for a touchdown, Avery added nine tackles, eight unassisted, one sack and a quarterback hurry.
Avery, who was also named to the American Athletic Conference honor roll for Thursday night's performance, leads Memphis with 35 tackles. He leads Memphis with five tackles for loss, two interceptions and three quarterback hurries.
This is the first career honor for Avery from the TSWA and is also the first honor for a Tiger this season from the organization.
Memphis plays its next two games on the road in conference play, traveling to New Orleans for a Friday night game at Tulane. That game will be broadcast on ESPNU beginning at 7 p.m. (CT). Memphis then plays at Navy on Saturday, Oct. 22nd, at 2:30 p.m. (CT) in a game that will be carried on the CBS Sports Network. That will be Memphis' first-ever trip to Annapolis.
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