Shaw earns weekly honor as Pac-12’s top defender


On the heels of a dominant defensive performance against what was considered to be one of the elite offenses in the Pac-12 at Oregon State, USC redshirt junior cornerback Josh Shaw has been named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week.

Stepping up · Redshirt junior defensive back Josh Shaw has three interceptions this season while playing both safety and cornerback. - Ralf Cheung | Daily Trojan

Stepping up · Redshirt junior defensive back Josh Shaw has three interceptions this season while playing both safety and cornerback. – Ralf Cheung | Daily Trojan

 

Shaw led the Trojans in the 31-14 dismantling of the Beavers with eight tackles and an interception, continuing his stellar play this season.

He was tasked with shutting down one of the most dynamic receivers in the nation, junior Brandin Cooks, and was extremely effective in that role. Cooks and quarterback Sean Mannion were considered the most feared quarterback-receiver tandem in the nation before Friday’s game, but were not able to muster much against Shaw and the rest of the Trojan defense. The Beavers scored only one offensive touchdown and were unable to find any sort of rhythm.

The Palmdale, Calif. native has been vital in defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast’s revamped system, as his versatility has been utilized since the beginning of the season.

Through the first nine games of this season, Shaw has started at every position in the secondary, being asked to switch from safety to cornerback on a near-weekly basis as injuries have made their way through the Trojan’s depth chart. He has made each transition seamlessly, and has been a crucial player for a much-improved USC defense.

Shaw becomes the second Trojan this season to take home conference player of the week honors. On the season, Shaw has 49 total tackles and three interceptions, which is tied for the team lead.

Redshirt Sophomore punter Kris Albarado was named Pac-12 Special Teams Player of the Week in the fourth week of the season for his performance in the 17-14 win against Utah State.

Junior defensive end George Uko was also nominated for special teams player of the week this week, and redshirt sophomore tailback Javorius “Buck” Allen was nominated for offense. Uko recorded one tackle and blocked an OSU field goal attempt, while Allen rushed for 133 yards and three touchdowns.

The Trojans’ next game is on Saturday against California in Berkeley, Calif. at noon.

 

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