A big man in the trenches earns the honor of Defensive Player of the Week

As I was sitting in Jones AT&T Stadium watching Texas Tech hold on against SFA, it was becoming clear that there were few bright spots on the defense overall. But the defensive line is a different story.

The front line of the defense was outstanding on Saturday, allowing 32 total yards on the ground. They were constantly in the backfield stopping the run, and doing their best to put pressure on SFA quarterback Trae Self.

Late in the game, SFA had the ball deep in Texas Tech territory and they needed to get in the endzone. That is when our player of the week emerged on four straight plays to deny SFA an upset win, and keep the Red Raiders on the winning track.

Jaylon Hutchings had been flagged earlier in the drive for a facemask that took the helmet off of Self. He said after the game that he felt like it was his fault that SFA got that far down the field and he wanted to make it up to his teammates.

He did so in a big way.

Hutchings was either on the tackle or getting pressure in the backfield on four straight plays, forcing SFA to lose yards, and overall secure the win for Texas Tech.

Jaylon finished with five tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, and one QB hurry in the Red Raider victory.

All season, he has made an impact, and I expect that he will continue to anchor the defensive line throughout the year.

Congratulations to Jaylon Hutchings, Viva the Matadors’ Defensive Player of the Week for the Stephen F. Austin game.