Ajiake Becomes UNLV's First Defensive Player Of The Week Since 2019

LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – Super Senior linebacker Austin Ajiake ("AH-g-kay") became the first defensive player from UNLV to be named Mountain West Player of the Week since 2019, the league announced Monday.

Ajiake helped UNLV earn a 34-24 victory at Utah State on Saturday night by leading all players with 11 total tackles, including seven solo stops and one tackle-for-loss. The Fremont, California, (Bellarmine Prep) product also hauled in his second interception of the season and returned it nine yards to set up a score. It was one of five picks on the night by the Rebels, who are now tied for second in the nation for turnover margin at plus-nine.

For the season, Ajiake ranks third in the league with 8.75 tackles per game (42nd in the nation).  

This marked the third week already this season that a UNLV player was honored by the league as quarterback Doug Brumfield (Aug. 29) and running back Aidan Robbins (Sept. 19) each took home offensive honors. It is the first time since 2019 that at least three Rebels earned MW player of the week kudos as LB Javin White, QB Kenyon Oblad and CB Jericho Flowers all earned a nod that fall.

First-place UNLV (3-1/1-0), which is undefeated at home this season, hosts New Mexico on Friday night at Allegiant Stadium. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. and tickets are available by calling (702) 739-FANS or visiting unlvtickets.com.