Byrd Named Pac-10 Player of the Week

WALNUT CREEK, Calif.-- University of Oregon cornerback Jairus Byrd has been named U.S. Bank Pac-10 Player of the Week for defense, Commissioner Tom Hansen announced Monday.

Byrd, a junior from Clayton, Mo., keyed Oregon's defense in the Ducks' 31-24 win against UCLA. He recorded nine tackles, six solo, intercepted a pass and had three pass breakups. The Oregon defense limited UCLA to 53 yards rushing and 351 yards total offense and posted six quarterback sacks (-30 yards).

With 45 tackles on the season, Byrd ranks third on the Ducks in that category. His three interceptions on the season are tied for the most in the conference.

The weekly honor is the first for the former Pac-10 Co-Freshman of the Year. Byrd is the second Oregon player to earn the conference's weekly award this season, joining senior placekicker Matt Evensen (special teams, week 3).

Running back Toby Gerhart of Stanford (offense) and defensive tackle Fili Moala of USC (special teams) were this week's other honorees.