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Johnson Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week

DALLAS, Texas -- Texas Tech senior linebacker Robert Johnson has been named the Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Week.

The Lubbock native recorded two interceptions and a fumble recovery while totaling 11 tackles in the Red Raiders' decisive 58-20 win over Utah State last Saturday at Jones Stadium. Johnson also threw the key block on junior Duane Price's touchdown return of an interception.

"Robert Johnson played as good a defensve football game as anyone around here has in years," said Texas Tech head coach Spike Dykes. "He was absolutely phenomenal."

With Tech leading 28-20 in the third quarter and Utah State driving in Red Raider territory, Johnson caught a tipped pass from Aggie quarterback Matt Sauk. On the ensuing possesion, Johnson pounced on a fumble by Utah State's Demario Brown. Each turnover led to touchdown passes by Tech quarterback Zebbie Lethridge.

Johnson is the team's second-leading tackler this season with 39 stops and is one of three captains from the defensive squad.

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