Uiagalelei Named Pac-12 Freshman of the Week

10/23/23 | Football

By: Nate Krueger

EUGENE, Ore. — Defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei has been named the Pac-12 Freshman of the Week for his performance in Oregon's win over Washington State, the conference announced on Monday.

Uiagalelei led the Ducks with two tackles for loss while registering his first career sack against the Cougars. He also matched his season-high with three total tackles.

The Bellflower, Calif., native earned a solid 77.9 tackling grade from Pro Football Focus while playing 27 defensive snaps, and also received a 72.3 run-defense grade.

Uiagalelei is the fifth Duck to earn Pac-12 Freshman of the Week since it began in 2019, and first since 2021. He is the third Oregon player to receive a Pac-12 weekly honor this season, joining Bo Nix (Offensive, Week 2) and Jackson Powers-Johnson (Offensive Lineman, Week 4).