LOGAN, Utah-Monday, Utah State graduate senior inside linebacker Justin Rice was named as the Mountain West Conference’s defensive player of the week as confirmed by the league office.

This commemorates the second time the Modesto, Calif. native has received this distinction in his collegiate career.

Rice did so when playing at Fresno State. He has also played at Arkansas State during his career.

Rice earned the honor by intercepting two passes in the Aggies’ 48-24 win over North Dakota Friday evening.

The 6-2 225-pound Rice also posted a season-high nine tackles for Utah State, including a stop for a loss.

Rice and his Aggies teammates commence Mountain West play Saturday by visiting Air Force.

The Aggies and Falcons each enter this game sporting 2-0 records. Air Force has bested NCAA FCS foe Lafayette 35-14 and fellow service academy Navy, 23-3, to commence the season.