New Haven, Conn.-----For his school-record-tying performance in San Jose State University's 52-43 regular-season-ending win over Louisiana Tech, defensive back Bené Benwikere is the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week.

            The first Spartan to earn the award in the organization's history, the junior from Los Angeles, intercepted three passes, was credited with 8 tackles, a tackle for loss and a pass break-up in the win by the Spartans (10-2, 5-1 WAC). The three interceptions, two of them in the fourth quarter, tied a long-standing San Jose State single-game record that was last done in 2006 by current Jacksonville Jaguars safety Dwight Lowery.

            Benwikere now leads the Western Athletic Conference and ranks tied for third nationally in interceptions with seven.

            As one of 18 teams presently with 10 or more regular-season victories, he and his teammates await word on a 2012 post-season bowl game invitation.