SALT LAKE CITY-Monday, Utah senior linebacker Chase Hansen was named as the Pac-12 defensive player of the week for his heroics in the Utes’ 17-6 win over Northern Illinois.

Hansen, a former all-Pac 12 safety excelled as a linebacker against the Huskies, amassing 12 tackles, two sacks, 2.5 tackles for a loss and the game-clinching interception return for a touchdown Saturday at DeKalb, Ill.

The Utes return to action Saturday as they host nationally-ranked Washington at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City.