Damante Horton named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week

The Pac-12 announced its players of the week on Monday and to little surprise Damante Horton took home Defensive Player of the Week honors. Intercepting two passes and returning one for a touchdown in a 10-7 win against a marquee opponent will do that.

While the interceptions and the touchdown were likely the reason Horton won the award, he was good for more than two plays. He was stout against the run all game, including two excellent tackles for loss, and was part of the coverage unit which limited Marqise Lee to 27 yards. Here is what the Pac-12 release said about his performance:

Horton, a senior from Oakland, Calif., led a spirited defensive effort by Washington State in the Cougars 10-7 win over No.22/25 USC Trojans in the first Conference game of season. The cornerback stepped in front of a USC pass and returned it 70 yards for a touchdown to even the score at 7-7 just before halftime. Horton collected his second interception with less than a minute remaining to seal the victory for Washington State, ending the game with two interceptions for 75 return yards and a career-best two tackles for a loss for 12 yards. He was also tasked with covering USC All-American receiver Marquise Lee, who was limited to 27 yards on seven catches.

It wasn't the only player of the week award Horton took home. He was also named the National Defensive Player of the Week by Athlon Sports.

There are 21 players in the nation with at least two interceptions through the first two weeks, and Horton is one of them. He starred on defense but was also most of Washington State's offense, returning a Cody Kessler interception 70 yards for a huge touchdown late in the first half to tie the game. Then, with just over two minutes left in the contest, Horton snatched one of Max Wittek's errant passes to clinch the win for Washington State. The senior from Oakland was the biggest star on both sides of the ball for Wazzu in its first win over USC since 2002.

Damante Horton is coming for all of your defensive awards.