USC football: T.J. McDonald selected Pac-10 defensive player of week

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USC safety T.J. McDonald was selected as the Pacific 10 Conference’s defensive player of the week for his performance in the Trojans’ 34-33 victory over Arizona State.

McDonald, a sophomore, had 13 tackles, blocked a punt and deflected another and downed a punt at the four-yard line by diving into the end zone.

McDonald, son of former Trojans All-American safety Tim McDonald, leads the Trojans with 68 tackles and is tied for the team lead with three interceptions.

USC, 6-3 overall and 3-3 in the Pac-10, plays at No. 18 Arizona on Saturday.

I’ll have more later at latimes.com/sports.

--Gary Klein