Northwestern linebacker Paddy Fisher was named the Big Ten Defensive Freshman of the Year by the Big Ten Network on Monday.
Fisher emerging as a star in his redshirt freshman season was one of the most fun, surprising elements of Northwestern’s 2017 season. The Katy, Texas native finished fourth in the conference with 110 tackles and tied for first with 4 forced fumbles. Fisher added 8 tackles for loss, 1 interception and 1 fumble recovery.
He was a stud all year long, but his best performance was a 19-tackle, do-it-all effort against Michigan State that earned him Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.