Edited release
09/11/23
University of Iowa senior defensive back Sebastian Castro has been named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week following his performance in the Hawkeyes’ 20-13 Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series win at Iowa State. The announcement was made Monday by the Big Ten Conference office.
Castro returned an interception 30 yards for a score, collected four tackles and had a pass break-up in Saturday’s in-state showdown.
Castro’s pick-6 in the second quarter proved to be the game-winning score. The pick-six was Iowa’s first of the season and marked the 16th consecutive season that a Hawkeye defender has returned an interception for a score, the second longest active streak in the country. Only Utah has a longer streak.
One of Castro’s four tackles and his one pass break-up both came on third-down plays in the second half.
Castro is the first Hawkeye to earn Big Ten weekly recognition this season.
The 2-0 Hawkeyes close out nonconference play Saturday, hosting Western Michigan at Kinnick Stadium at 2:30 pm. The sold-out contest will be broadcast on BTN.