McClendon Earns Big 12 Honor

September 24, 2001 | Football

Sept. 24, 2001

LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech free safety Paul McClendon (Stamford, Texas) was named the Southwestern Bell Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week today by a panel of media voters.

McClendon became the first player in school history to score two defensive touchdowns in a game when he accomplished the feat Saturday against North Texas at Texas Stadium. McClendon scooped up a UNT fumble in the first quarter and returned it six yards for Tech's first score of the game. Midway through the third quarter, McClendon struck again, returning an interception 50 yards for another touchdown.

McClendon currently is tied for the team lead in scoring with 18 points in three games and is tied in seventh place in the Big 12 in scoring.

He was nominated for the defensive player of the week award following the New Mexico game after he scored a touchdown on a 54-yard fumble return.