Sophomore cornerback-turned-safety Josh Holsey was named the SEC’s Defensive Player of the Week after his 11-tackle performance led the way in the Tigers’ 20-14 win over Kansas State on Thursday night.

Holsey had to make the move to safety after senior Jermaine Whitehead was suspended and did not make the trip to Manhattan.

It was Auburn’s best defensive performance in three years. The Tigers surrendered just 40 yards rushing and 285 total yards of offense to a good K-State offense with some playmakers.

“I thought he did a good, solid job,” defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson said on Sunday. “It was a tough move for him, it was done during the week and didn’t have but one-half of a practice and another small light practice. And he did pretty well.”

Holsey will likely remain at safety this week against Louisiana Tech with Whitehead suspended indefinitely.