Cortez anchored a defense that forced six turnovers and allowed just eight first downs and less than 200 yards of total offense in the Warhawks’ 65-0 win over Waldorf College (Iowa) on Sept. 28. He took part in two turnovers that led to UW-Whitewater points. He recovered a fumble in the first quarter that the offense turned into points to take a 17-0 lead and later returned an interception 17 yards to the Waldorf 13 yard-line that the offense converted into another score. Cortez added two tackles in the game.
Also nominated:
UW-Eau Claire, Dalton Evertz, Junior, Defensive Line, Andover, Minn. (Anoka)
UW-Oshkosh, Ryan Stefaniak, Senior, Linebacker, Milwaukee, Wis. (Catholic Memorial)
UW-Stevens Point, Jake Luedtke, Junior, Linebacker, Sussex, Wis. (Sussex Hamilton)