University of Iowa senior linebacker James Morris was named Big Ten Conference defensive Player of the Week for his play in Iowa’s 17-10 overtime win over Northwestern. It is the second time this season Morris has been honored — he won the award after Iowa’s 23-7 win at Minnesota.
Morris, a Solon native, was credited with eight tackles against the Wildcats, including four solo tackles. He recorded 2.5 tackles for loss, including two of Iowa’s six QB sacks. Morris also collected his first fumble recovery of the season. Morris has been in Iowa’s starting line-up since early in his freshman season. He has totaled 357 career tackles to rank eighth on the career chart.
He was recently named one of 20 quarterfinal candidates for the Lott IMPACT Trophy and is also on watch lists for the Bednarik Award and the Nagurski Award. He has twice earned academic all-Big Ten honors.