Willie VanDeSteeg Is Camp Player of the Week

Willie VanDeSteeg was named Walter Camp Football Foundation Defensive Players of the Week after had three quarterback sacks and forcing a fumble that led to a touchdown as Minnesota defeated Big Ten rival Illinois 27-20. VanDeSteeg, who had five tackles, also broke up a fourth-quarter pass that resulted in an interception to seal the victory for the Golden Gophers (6-1, 2-1 in the Big Ten).

Senior defensive end Willie VanDeSteeg from Glencoe Silver Lake is one of the four team captains. Minnesota has a bye this week and faces Purdue on the road Oct. 25. Minnesota's 6-1 start is its best since 2003.