Another Monday has resulted in another Penn State linebacker taking home the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week award. This week, it is senior Gerald Hodges winning the conference honor following a fantastic game in Saturday’s victory over the previously undefeated Northwestern Wildcats.

Hodges recorded a season high 11 tackles with 1.5 tackles for loss and two pass break-ups. He also forced a Wildcats fumble that was recovered by Da’Quan Davis to seal the victory with 49 seconds remaining.

With all of the attention and accolades that teammate Michael Mauti has received this season, Hodges has occasionally flown under the radar but is having a terrific season of his own that includes a red zone interception in win against Navy.

“He’s been under the radar, but that’s what happens when you have two great linebackers. Gerald is still having an outstanding season,” said defensive tackle Jordan Hill after Saturday’s game.

Hodges won this award two times in a row last October against Northwestern and Illinois respectively, so he has something to shoot for in Iowa City two Saturdays from now.

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