Iowa lineman Tom Nardo was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week on Monday.

The senior defensive tackle registered a career-high 12 tackles, including two for loss and a shared quarterback sack in Iowa’s 45-17 win against Louisiana at Monroe on Sept. 24.

"He’s playing at a high level, and a lot of it is just on determination and paying attention to things," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said following the Hawkeyes’ victory. "Boy, he’s doing a good job."

The Lancaster, Pa., native — who was a walk-on until earning a scholarship this past spring — has recorded 24 tackles in four games, including three for loss. He’s also broken up a pass and forced one fumble.

"I’m just trying to help the team and work my hardest," he said.

Nardo is the second Hawkeye to earn a weekly Big Ten honor this year, and the first Iowa player to win the defensive award since Shaun Prater was honored Nov. 1, 2010. James Vandenberg was named the conference’s Offensive Player of the Week last week for his performance in Iowa’s comeback victory against Pittsburgh on Sept. 17.

— by Jordan Garretson