Gionni Paul and Andy Phillips Named Pac-12 Players of the Week

Utah junior linebacker Gionni Paul, playing in his first game in a Utes uniform, and sophomore kicker Andy Phillips were both named Pac-12 Players of the Week, the conference announced today.

Paul, a transfer from Miami, made his first appearance for the Utes defense after injuring his foot in the spring and helped Utah take down Michigan on the road, 26-10. Paul, a redshirt last year who missed the first two games of this season while recovering from a foot injury suffered in the spring, had a game-high 14 tackles at Michigan, along with an interception and a fumble recovery. In the fourth quarter, his interception stopped Michigan's first drive. Much later, after a two-hour, 24-minute weather delay, he recovered a fumble to halt the Wolverines on their first series out of the break. Paul led a Utes defense that never allowed the Michigan offense to enter the red zone.

Phillips, from Draper, Utah, accounted for more than half of Utah's points in its 26-10 win over Michigan, making 4-of-5 field goals and 2-of-2 PATs for a total of 14 points. His clutch performance in the Big House featured makes from 35, 38, 48 and 50 yards. His only miss came after a lengthy rain delay, when his 41-yard attempt bounced off the upright. Phillips became the first Ute to make four field goals in a game since 2011 (Coleman Peterson). Phillips also had five touchbacks on six kickoffs.

Wide receiver Cayleb Jones of Arizona was named Offensive Player of the Week, after hauling in 13 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns against Cal.

Also nominated for Offensive Player of the Week: Nelson Spruce, WR, Colorado; Sean Mannion QB, Oregon State; Connor Halliday, QB, Washington State.

Also nominated for Defensive Player of the Week: Scooby Wright III, LB, Arizona; Greg Henderson, CB, Colorado; Michael Doctor, LB, Oregon State; Jeremiah Allison, LB, Washington State.

Also nominated for Special Teams Player of the Week: Darragh O'Neill, P, Colorado.