Fresno State Football: Carlton Johnson Earns National Defensive Player Of The Week

Carlton Johnson was a massive difference maker this week in Fresno State's win over Arizona State. 

For his hard work, the Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week honor for games during the weekend of Sept. 16, as selected by the Football Writers Association of America.

Johnson had three interceptions in Fresno State's 29-0 victory. In total, the Bulldog defense forced eight turnovers against the Sun Devils, who played three different quarterbacks in the loss. Five of the eight turnovers forced were interceptions by Bulldog defenders.

This was Fresno State's first shutout over a Power 5 opponent since 1986.

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Johnson was also named Mountain West Defensive Player of the week for his efforts. He was the first Fresno State cornerback to earn that honor since the Bulldogs joined the league in 2012.

Johnson is one of just two FBS players to have three interceptions in a game this season.

Each week during the regular season, the FWAA has selected a Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week since 2001. The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce finalists for the 2023 Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Nov. 15. The national defensive player of the year will be chosen from those finalists who are part of the 2023 FWAA All-America Team and presented with the trophy at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet on Dec. 4 at the Charlotte Convention Center. 

The Bulldogs have now improved their record to 3-0 and looked poised to make a strong defense of their 2022 Mountain West Conference title.

Fresno State will continue their season on Saturday, September 23, when they host MAC foe Kent State.