Laybourn Pac-10 Defensive POW for third time

FOR THE FOURTH CONSECUTIVE week, and for the sixth time overall this season, an Oregon State player has received a Pac-10 Player of the Week award. Safety Greg Laybourn earned the defensive Player of the Week nod today -- his third such award for the 2008 campaign -- for his performance in the victory over Arizona.

Greg Laybourn, a senior from Portland who began his Oregon State football career as a walk-on, led the Beavers in tackles in the 19-17 road triumph at Arizona that kept OSU in charge of their Rose Bowl dreams.

Laybourn had a team-high 11 stops, (8 solo), including 1.5 for loss against the 'Cats.

The Oregon State defense limited Arizona to 297 yards total offense and logged three quarterback sacks on the night.

This is the third defensive player of the week honor for Laybourn this season. Previous Beaver winners this year include Jacquizz Rodgers and Laybourn for the week of Sep. 27, Laybourn for Oct. 18, Jacquizz Rodgers for Nov.1, Quizz again for Nov. 8, and Stephen Paea and James Rodgers for Nov. 15.

Tailback Jahvid Best of California and kicker Nico Grasu of Washington State took the offensive and special teams awards this week, respectively.

Also nominated for offensive player of the week honors was OSU wide receiver Sammie Stroughter, while Beavers' Kicker Justin Kahut was nominated for special teams play.