Marcus Hayes, a redshirt freshman safety who had two interceptions against New Mexico State — including one for a touchdown with less than a minute left that ultimately sealed the game — was named the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week, the conference announced on Monday.
He’s the first UNM player to be honored this season.
Hayes, who hails from really Rockford, Illinois, was key in the Lobos’ win over in-stage rival NMSU on Saturday.
Both of Hayes’ interceptions came in the fourth quarter — and both with under four minutes in the game.