FARMINGTON, Utah — Sacramento State safety Koa Akui was named the Big Sky Defensive Player of the Week, it was announced today. The honor was the first for the junior during his career.
 
Akui helped a Hornet defense limit Nevada throughout the game on Saturday at Mackay Stadium. The Hilo, Hawaii native intercepted passes during the Wolf Pack's opening drives of both halves. His first interception came at the Sacramento State 8-yard line when he jumped in front of a pass in the middle of the field. His second pick came at the Hornet 25 when he brough in a deflected pass and then returned in 27 yards.
 
The interceptions were the first for Akui during his career and now gives him at least a part in all four Sacramento State takeaways this season following a forced fumble and fumble recovery in the season opener. Akui became the first Hornet to have multiple interceptions in a game since Elias Mullican had two at East Texas A&M on Sept. 21 of last season.
 
Sacramento State will welcome Mercyhurst for its home opener on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 6 p.m. inside Hornet Stadium.
 
Akui shared this week's honors with Northern Colorado's Ezra Ekuban. The offense award was split between Montana running back Eli Gillman and Idaho quarterback Joshua Wood. Idaho State's Trajan Sinatra was named the special teams player of the week.