Senior linebacker Quentin Davie was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after a dominating performance against Rice on Saturday, racking up a game-high 10 tackles and an interception return for a touchdown.

The honor is a first for Davie.

“When I heard it, it felt great,” Davie said. “Obviously I want to get better and be consistent throughout the season. It’ll be great if I get defensive player of the year. That’ll be a better honor.”

Before the season, Davie was named to the preseason watch list for the Butkus Award, which is given to the nation’s top linebacker.

Davie’s pick-six was his third interception in two games. He picked off two passes from Illinois State quarterback Matt Brown on Sept. 11.

“Q has just been Johnny-on-the-spot a little bit with these interceptions,” coach Pat Fitzgerald said. “He’s right where he’s supposed to be when he’s supposed to be there.”

Fitzgerald said he gives Davie a hard time when he misses opportunities for interceptions. He dropped one potential pick Saturday against Rice.

“He never stops,” Davie said. “Every time I drop an interception he always brings it up. I mean, that’s why I just try to catch them from now on and he won’t be able to kid me.”

Davie was also credited with one-and-a-half tackles for a loss and a pass breakup against Rice.