It seemed as if Vosean Joseph was in on every defensive play on Saturday night when the Gators upended then fifth ranked LSU, 27-19. The junior linebacker made things tough on QB Joe Burrow and the Tigers offense, racking up 14 tackles, 2 sacks, and 3.5 tackles for loss.
On Sunday, Joseph was named the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week.
Joseph, a native of Miami is the Gators’ leading tackler with 42, including 6.5 for losses. Through the first half of the season, he has tallied three sacks, two pass breakups, one quarterback hurry and a fumble recovery. Along with David Reese, Joseph has really anchored the Gators’ defense, providing experience and leadership.
Vosean becomes the first Gators player to receive the weekly honor since 2015 and only the eighth to receive it since 2004.
UPDATE 10.8.18 – Joseph was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance, the conference announced on Monday.
Per the SEC release:
DEFENSE
Vosean Joseph, LB, Florida
- Vosean Joseph posted the first multi-sack game of his career in Florida’s win over LSU and he did it in the first 20-plus minutes of the game. He entered the game with three tackles for loss this season and had three in the first 20-plus minutes of Saturday’s win. He also posted career highs in tackles (14) and tackles for loss (3.5). He also led the Gators in both categories against LSU.
- Through six games, Joseph is the Florida’s leading tackler with 42, including 6.5 for losses. He has also recorded three sacks, two pass breakups, one quarterback hurry and a fumble recovery, which he returned for 20 yards.