R.J. Williamson might not have earned the B1G’s weekly honor, but he did garner a national award for his performance on Saturday.

The Michigan State safety was named the AutoNation Football Writers Association of America Defensive Player of the Week on Tuesday. Williamson recovered a fumble and returned it 64 yards for a touchdown and made a fourth-quarter interception to lock up a 35-21 victory against Air Force on Saturday.

The fifth-year senior scored his third career defensive touchdown, but it was the first time he returned a fumble to the house. With No. 2 Michigan State leading by two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, he also recovered the onside kick attempt to officially close the door on an Air Force comeback.

Williamson has emerged in the MSU defense playing under new co-defensive coordinator Harlon Bennett. After losing the likes of Kurtis Drummond and Trae Waynes to the NFL, Williamson was the team’s only returning starter in the defensive backfield.

He already has a pair of interceptions and is tied for fifth on the team with 16 tackles. After a season-ending neck injury to promising freshman cornerback Vayante Copeland, the Spartans will turn to Williamson even more.

AutoNation will donate $1,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) in Williamson’s name.

Michigan State will look to close out the non-conference slate 4-0 when Central Michigan comes to East Lansing on Saturday.