Student-Athlete of the Week - October 20, 2008

Name: Carl Ihenacho
Sport: Football
Year: Junior
Position: Defensive End

Carl Ihenacho has been named the Spartan Foundation Student Athlete of the Week for his performances in the football team’s 31-14 victory at New Mexico State this past Saturday.

Ihenacho tied a single-game WAC and San Jose State school record with 6.0 tackles for loss as the Spartans won on the road for the second time in conference play. Ihenacho led San Jose State with 8.0 tackles, all solo, and credited with a quarterback sack. His performance was the first time in 27 years a San Jose State defensive player was credited with as many tackles for loss in a game.

His constant pressure and presence in the backfield led to New Mexico State throwing three interceptions and gaining a season-low 284 yards. The Spartans were credited with 17.0 tackles for loss on the 74 plays New Mexico State executed.

Ihenacho now shares the national lead for tackles for a loss averaging 2.0 per game and is one of two players nationally to rank in the top-10 in tackles for loss, quarterback sacks and forced fumbles. He leads the Spartans in total tackles and is the only lineman among the top 100 FBS players who is listed for most solo tackles.

San Jose State hosts #13 Boise State this Friday night in a nationally televised game on ESPN2. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m., at Spartan Stadium. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the Spartan Ticket Office at (408) 924-SJTX (7589).

Past 2008-09 Spartan Foundation Student-Athletes of the Week
August 25 - Emmy Belding, Women's Soccer
September 2 - Kyle Reed, Football
September 8 - Emily Burke, Volleyball
September 15 - Erica Moston, Women's Golf
September 22 - Hiroki Akiyama, Men's Soccer
September 29 - Jared Strubeck, Football
October 6 - Kelly Crow, Volleyball
October 13 - Heather Denman, Women's Swimming
October 20 - Carl Ihenacho, Football