EDMONTON - UBC first-year linebacker Elliot Graham, whose 107-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter helped lead the Thunderbirds to 32-18 home win over the Manitoba Bisons on Saturday, has been named the Canada West 'Defensive Player of the Week'.

?? RECORD BREAKER ??
This 107 yard INT return by Elliot Graham breaks school record from Sept. 30th, 2000. 32-10 'Birds.#GoBirdsGo pic.twitter.com/Zb3MEzQ49u

— UBC Thunderbirds (@ubctbirds) September 9, 2017

 
Graham's interception return was the longest in UBC history and tied for second longest in Canada West history behind only Eric Duchene's 109-yarder for Saskatchewan in 2001.


 
The Hamilton, Ont, product also added a pair of pass breakups in the victory and becomes the second consecutive rookie to win the CW defensive player of the week award this season after Regina's Nick Cross won Week 1.


 
Saskatchewan quarterback Kyle Siemens (offence), Calgary holder Hunter Karl (special teams) were also named Canada West 'Players of the Week' winners Monday.
 
Siemens, Graham, and Karl will be back in action this weekend, as the conference returns to the field on Saturday with a pair of Canada West Football Showcase televised games, including Saskatchewan travelling to UBC to take on the Thunderbirds (5 p.m. PDT). Earlier in the day, Alberta (0-2) heads to Regina (1-1) to take on the Rams in the other Week 3 CW FB Showcase game (2 p.m. CST).