POCATELLO, Idaho – Idaho State freshman defensive end Trehsyn Fesili was named the STATS Perform FCS National Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, the first national award of his career. Fesili was also named the Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Week for the second week in a row, after earning the honor last week following Idaho State's 38-8 win over Portland State.
Fesili's interception return decided Saturday's 34-27 win at Utah Tech. With the game tied 27-27, he jumped a short pass, intercepted it and returned it 43 yards for the go-ahead touchdown with 55 seconds left. It was his second pick-six of the season.
He also started Idaho State's comeback. With the Bengals trailing 14-0 in the second quarter, Fesili strip-sacked Utah Tech quarterback Bronson Barben to force a turnover, and Idaho State turned it into its first touchdown of the game. He has recorded a strip sack in back-to-back games.
Fesili finished with six tackles (four solo), a sack, a forced fumble and the interception.
The Idaho State defense forced four turnovers and scored twice in the fourth quarter. The Bengals turned those takeaways into 24 points and did not commit a turnover. With the win, Idaho State improved to 6-3 overall and 3-3 in the Big Sky.
Idaho State returns to action this Saturday in the ICCU Dome taking on the #3 Montana State Bobcats. Kickoff is at 4:00 PM and the game will be broadcast on Scripps Sports and ESPN+
