Senior CB Dexter McDonald named Big 12 defensive player of the week

Kansas cornerback Dexter McDonald turns upfield after grabbing an interception during the third quarter on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014 at Memorial Stadium.

Kansas University senior cornerback Dexter McDonald earned Big 12 defensive player of the week honors, the conference announced Monday morning.

McDonald, who led the Kansas defense with two interceptions and two pass break-ups in last Saturday’s 34-28 victory over Southeast Missouri State, became the first Kansas player to record two interceptions in a game since current KU safety Isaiah Johnson did it in a loss at Texas last season.

McDonald, a Kansas City, Mo., native, finished last season eighth in the Big 12 with 12 PBUs and is off to a blazing start this year. In addition to the two INTs, McDonald added a career best 72 return yards, including picking off one pass in the end zone and returning it 62 yards to the SEMO 38 yard line.

McDonald also added two tackles. His two interceptions, along with one from true freshman Matthew Boateng, represented the most KU interceptions in a game since the 2012 team recorded four against South Dakota in the season opener.