ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – UCF senior safety Drico Johnson returned a fumble and interception for a touchdown against Tulane and was tabbed The American Defensive Player of the Week. The league announced its weekly awards on Monday.
With the Knights leading 7-6 in the third quarter, the Orlando, Fla., native scooped up a Tulane option pitch and raced untouched to the goal line. It was the first of a school record three defensive scores for UCF.
After senior cornerback Shaquill Griffin returned an interception three plays later, it was Griffin, who stepped in front of a Green Wave pass in the fourth quarter and sprinted down the Tulane sideline 86 yards to pay dirt. He also added six tackles and a quarterback hurry.
Johnson's two defensive scores is an individual school record. The three touchdowns by the defense was also a school record based upon information available to the UCF Athletics Communications staff.
A spot was earned on The American Honor Roll by Griffin, who intercepted two Tulane passes and returned one 33 yards for a touchdown. He also was credited with a pass breakup and two tackles.
The Knights have earned the last two defensive player of the week honors from The American. Junior Shaquem Griffin picked up the individual accolade following the Houston game. UCF also earned a special teams player of the week accolade following freshman Adrian Killins' 100-yard kickoff return at East Carolina.
UCF continues a three-game homestand on Saturday against Cincinnati. The kickoff is set for noon on ESPNU.
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