Banks’ returns of Tebow passes brings SEC freshman honor

Posted Oct 26, 2009 by The Associated Press

Updated Oct 26, 2009 at 11:19 AM

Mississippi State defensive back Jonthan Banks, who scored twice on interception returns against Florida on Saturday, was named the SEC freshman of the week.

Banks’ first return went 100 yards after a tip of a Tim Tebow pass in the Bulldogs’ end zone. He scored with 27 seconds left in the half to pull MSU to within 13-10. His other return went 20 yards in the fourth quarter.

Mississippi’s Dexter McCluster is the offensive player of the week.

The league also awarded defensive honors Monday to LSU linebacker Harry Coleman while Alabama kicker Leigh Tiffin was the top special teamer.

McCluster became the first Ole Miss player in the modern era to have 100 yards both rushing and receiving in a win over Arkansas.

Coleman had nine tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles in LSU’s win over Auburn.

Tiffin accounted for every Alabama point with four field goals in a victory over Tennessee.

The offensive lineman of the week was Kentucky center Jorge Gonzalez, while defensive line honors went to Alabama’s Terrence Cody.