Iowa Football: Zach VanValkenburg named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week

Iowa football’s Zach VanValkenburg was named the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Week after a dominant performance against Minnesota.

For the second week in a row, the Iowa Hawkeyes have a player named to the Big Ten’s team of the week. Defensive end Zach VanValkenburg is the Defensive Player of the Week after recording three sacks and five tackles (four solo) against the Minnesota Gophers last Friday night.

Iowa football defeated Minnesota by a final score of 35-7, securing the Floyd of Rosedale trophy for the sixth straight season.

Charlie Jones was named the Big Ten’s Special Teams Player of the Week last week for his contributions in the return game. Jones returned a punt for a 54-yard touchdown with over 100 return yards.

VanValkenburg, a 6-foot-4, 270-pound senior, has been Iowa’s main replacement for A.J. Epenesa, who the Hawkeyes lost to the NFL Draft last April. VanValkenburg’s role has dramatically increased from last year, and he’s producing at a high level so far.

VanValkenburg has 16 tackles, 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble this season. He had six total tackles all of last season in his first year with the Iowa program after playing two seasons at Hillsdale College (Div. II).