Miami’s Rollins named MAC Defensive Player of the Year

Miami University senior defensive back Quinten Rollins capped a remarkable return to football in style on Thursday.

Rollins, who had not played a down of football since high school prior to this season, was named Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

Rollins, 6-foot, 203 pounds, finished the season with 72 tackles, seven interceptions and nine pass breakups. His seven interceptions match a Miami single-season record and is tied for third nationally.

He will play in the Senior Bowl on Jan. 24.

Rollins, a native of Wilmington, joined the football team in April after completing a four-year basketball career at Miami. He played in 116 games for the RedHawks, notching 214 steals (second in Miami history) and 391 assists (fourth in Miami history).