For the first time in two years the Golden Gophers have a Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week. Defensive back Kim Royston had a solid game on Saturday as Minnesota ended its season with a 27-7 win over Illinois. He shares this week's conference honor with Lavonte David of Nebraska.

Co-Defensive Players of the Week

Kim Royston, Minnesota

Sr., DB, Minneapolis, Minn./Cretin-Derham Hall

·         Recorded 13 tackles, the eighth time this year he finished a game with 10 or more stops, in Minnesota’s victory over Illinois

·         Added his first sack on the final play of his career, and had a pass breakup in the game

·         Had 11 tackles in the second half to finish the season with 123 stops, the most by a Gopher since 2001

·         Records his first career Defensive Player of the Week honor

·         Last Minnesota Defensive Player of the Week: Garrett Brown (Nov. 1, 2009)

Royston's honor came in his final career game, as the senior will graduate later this academic year.