By Leon Mitchell, Grambling State Athletic Communications
Grambling State’s Brenden Barley has been named the Southwestern Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week, announced by the conference on Monday afternoon.
Barley, a sophomore from Wichita, Kan., had a standout defensive performance, recording his third interception of the season. With at least one interception in each of the last three games, Barley has emerged as a key playmaker for the defense.
In the final seconds of the third quarter, with Grambling State facing 2nd and 14, Jacobian Morgan dropped back to pass but was intercepted by Brenden Barley at the JSU 38-yard line.
Barley made a return of 25 yards, reaching the JSU 13 and setting up a critical scoring opportunity for Grambling. Recording his nation-leading third interception of the season, he now leads the country. On the night, Barley also tallied seven total tackles, including four solo stops. His defensive efforts were pivotal in helping Grambling State secure a decisive 41-20 victory over Jackson State.