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Derrick Wells Earns Big Ten's Defensive Player Of Week

Minnesota's Derrick Wells was named the Big 10 Defensive Player of the Week after a two-interception performance vs. UNLV, one of which was key in setting up the game-winning field goal.

By Pete Eich
August 30, 2012; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Derrick Wells (13) brings down UNLV Rebels running back Bradley Randle (28) during the overtime period at Sam Boyd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE
August 30, 2012; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Derrick Wells (13) brings down UNLV Rebels running back Bradley Randle (28) during the overtime period at Sam Boyd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

Derrick Wells has been named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, earning the award after a crucial interception in the third overtime of the Golden Gophers' game against the UNLV Rebels. The defensive back's second interception of the game set up a 32-yard field goal that gave Minnesota the 30-27 win. Wells also had eight tackles, six of them solo, and two passes broken up.

Wells, a sophomore, won the award in his first game as a starter. He is the first player from Minnesota to win the Big 10 Defensive Player of the Week award since defensive back Kim Royston received the award on Nov. 28, 2011.

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Photographs by Micah Taylor, clairity, and Fibonacci Blue used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.