Hampton named Jayhawk Defensive Player of the Week

By Mike Pilosof

Photo by Adam Shrimplin

Garden City, KS-Willie Hampton was once a prize recruit for Nebraska. But he had to make a detour through the Junior College ranks. Head Coach Tom Minnick is sure glad that he did.

Following his 14 tackle, two sack performance vs. No. 15 Iowa Western, Hampton was named the Jayhawk defensive player of the week.

Hampton had sacks on back-to-back plays during a dominant second-quarter stretch. By halftime, the Broncbusters had limited the Reivers to just 73 total yards.

"Our defensive effort was fantastic," Minnick said. "Willie, Ali (Gaye); those guys were getting pressure on the quarterback."

It was the third time this season that Hampton has recorded at least 10 tackles in a game. He currently sits second in the conference in that department behind teammate Krishon Merriweather.

The Broncbusters are back home on Saturday, facing off with No. 18 Fort Scott. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.