Vilma Named BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week

Oct. 20, 2003

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) – Senior middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma was named the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the week on Monday, an honor he shared with Syracuse linebacker Kellen Pruitt.

The honor is the first of Vilma’s career. It is the Hurricanes’ seventh player of the week award this season with four players earning special teams recognition and one offensive winner.

Vilma led the Hurricane defense in UM’s 52-14 win over Temple. He produced a team-leading eight tackles (three solo) and recovered a fumble. Vilma led a Miami defense that held the Owls to a season-low 171 total yards, including only 21 yards passing.

Syracuse quarterback R.J. Anderson and Pittsburgh wideout Larry Fitzgerald earned offensive honors, while SU’s Anthony Smith was named Special Teams Player of the Week.