Fillinger, Reid Collect Pac-12 Weekly Defensive Honors
SAN FRANCISCO – University of Utah freshmen Van Fillinger and Karene Reid have been recognized by the Pac-12, as Fillinger was named the league's Defensive Line Player of the Week and Reid the Freshman of the Week. Both were instrumental in the Utes' 24-13 victory over Washington State on Saturday, playing in front of a sellout crowd at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Fillinger, a defensive end from Draper, Utah, had three sacks, the first of his career, in the victory. His first sack came on the Cougars' opening drive, another on a crucial third-down stop in the third quarter and his third on WSU's last drive of the day, putting an exclamation point on the win. Fillinger finished the day with five total tackles.
He is the first Utah player with three sacks in a game since 2019, and first-ever Utes freshman to accomplish the feat. His performance helped lead the Utes to an eight-sack game as a team, the most Utah has had since recording 11 at Arizona State in November 2016.
Reid made his first career start at the rover linebacker position and logged 15 tackles, a sack and an interception. After entering the weekend without a tackle in the Utes' first three games, Reid ultimately produced the most stops by a Pac-12 player for a game this season and most by an FBS freshman. It's also the most by a true freshman at Utah since at least 2005.
Among all Pac-12 freshmen, Reid's 15 tackles were tied for the third-most in a game since 2012. In that same time, Reid is one of only four freshmen nationally to produce as many tackles in their first career game with a tackle.
Reid, an American Fork, Utah, product, spoiled WSU's first red zone opportunity with his first career interception late in the first quarter. His sack, which came in the final minutes of the game, was his first as a Ute as well.
Utah, which has a bye this week, continues Pac-12 Conference play on Sat., Oct. 9, visiting USC for a game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. MT on Fox.