Michigan's James Ross named Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week

Michigan Wolverines freshman linebacker James Ross III was named Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week on Monday.

Ross posted a career-high 12 tackles against Iowa, doubling his previous career-high of six. Ross' 12 tackles equal his total from the previous five games combined. Coming into the game, Ross had 11 total solo tackles on the season, but he nearly doubled that total on Saturday, posting nine solo tackles against Iowa.

Ross, a highly touted freshman from Orchard Lake, Mich., has played better recently. Of his 34 tackles this season, 18 have come in the last two games. Ross was rated as a four-star recruit by both Rivals.com and Scout.com. He shared the Co-Freshman of the Week award with Northwestern wide receiver Dan Vitale. Vitale caught nine passes for 110 yards in Northwestern's 23-20 victory against Northwestern.

With Ross winning the award, Michigan collected two Big Ten Player of the Week honors as Devin Gardner was named the Co-Offensive Player of the Week.