Walt McFadden named Defensive POW; Coleman earns D-line honors

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Senior cornerback Walt McFadden hauled in two interceptions Saturday and hauled in SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors today because of those big picks.

Defensive end Antonio Coleman also got in on the fun, pulling in his second D-line Player of the Week award.

Some might have considered McFadden’s interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter fluky, but it showed a good bit of athleticism. He bobbled and caught a ball that appeared to hit the ground—but didn’t—tiptoed near the sidelines, broke a tackle and ran the requisite 29 yards for his second career touchdown. His other interception was of the standard variety, but its importance was equal, putting the wraps on Auburn’s 33-20 upset victory over Ole Miss.

He added five tackles—tying a career-high—along with 1.5 tackles for loss. He has four interceptions on the season and seven for his career.

Coleman had five tackles, four of which went for a loss, two of which were sacks—good for tying a career high—and had a bevy of QB hurries. He blocked Ole Miss’ third-quarter PAT attempt, which was returned by Demond Washington for 2 points.

This is McFadden’s first such league POW award. It’s Auburn’s sixth and seventh on the season. Onterio McCalebb won Freshman of the Week twice, Wes Byrum took in a Special Teams Player of the Week award and Coleman and Craig Stevens each earned Defensive honors.

(Photo credit: Todd Van Emst)