Athlete of the Week: Jordan Poyer

No. 10 Oregon State’s win over Washington State on Saturday was a result of a dominating defensive performance. The Beavers held the high-powered Cougars’ offense to only 227 total yards and six points, and recorded five turnovers.

The star of the impressive defense was senior cornerback Jordan Poyer, who amassed a career-best three interceptions, four solo tackles, one tackle for loss and a pass breakup. Poyer is being chosen as this week’s Athlete of the Week.

“I was seeing the field really well,” Poyer said. “The plays that were there to make, I made.”

The senior is already known as one of the best cornerbacks in the nation, and only added to that reputation with his impressive statistics. With his wide range of talents, Poyer has had a huge impact for the Beavers this season.

“I think he’s a terrific player in terms of instincts and has great ball skills,” said head coach Mike Riley.

The entire defense was impressed with Poyer’s outing. With the best performance on the unit that carried Oregon State to its fourth victory, it’s safe to say that the Astoria, Ore. product was the MVP for the Beavers.

Despite three interceptions –– something that no Beaver has done in a game since Mitch Meeuwsen in 2003 against Washington State as well –– senior wide receiver Markus Wheaton wasn’t surprised.

“[In] one-on-one’s, I’m always going against Jordan and he’s really tough,” Wheaton said. “I think he makes me a lot better, so it doesn’t surprise me at all that he did what he did.”

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