Defensive Player of October
5. A.J. Haulcy, New Mexico (24 points)
The safety from Missouri City, Texas continued his strong play from late September into the spooky season, finishing fourth among all Mountain West defenders with 36 total tackles while also picking up 2.5 tackles for loss, an interception, and a forced fumble just three October contests. That included a monster 24-tackle performance against Fresno State in Week 8, which helps to explain why, headed into November, Haulcy is Pro Football Focus’s top-graded true freshman, regardless of position.
4. Ayden Hector, Colorado State (31 points)
Hector didn’t make his first start for the Rams until Week 6 against Nevada, but he provided a spark for the defense throughout October. The Washington State transfer collected 21 total tackles, four pass breakups, and two interceptions (including a pick-six) in four games, potentially cementing himself as a cornerstone of the future at Fort Air Raid.
3. Jonah Tavai, San Diego State (32 points)
Tavai spent most of October terrifying quarterbacks like he did down the stretch last year. He had three quarterback hurries in the Aztecs’ win over Hawaii back in Week 6, then posted a combined 4.5 sacks against Nevada and San Diego State. They’ll need more of that to try and chase down another West division title down the stretch.
2. DeVonne Harris, Wyoming (36 points)
The young Cowboys defensive line has made strides as a unit throughout the 2022 campaign, but Harris stood out among his peers in October by racking up 18 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and five sacks. While Wyoming is still pursuing Boise State for the Mountain division crown, the Big Lake, Minnesota native should be a big factor in the last month.
1. Viliami Fehoko, San Jose State (42 points)
Fehoko dominated week in and week out through October, notching at least one sack in each of San Jose State’s four games and finishing with five altogether. He also led the Mountain West with nine tackles for loss and chipped in two forced fumbles, as well, one of just four players in the conference to do so last month.
PFF Defensive Player of the Week @juniorfehoko42 ‼️#ClimbTheMountain | #AllSpartans pic.twitter.com/47YjZjmP61
— San José State Football (@SanJoseStateFB) November 2, 2022