LEXINGTON, Va. - It's been a good week for VMI senior linebacker Chris Walsh.

Friday, the Lima, Ohio native was honored for his classroom work by being named to the Verizon Academic All-District second team. On Saturday, Walsh and his fellow teammates recaptured the Silver Shako from military rival The Citadel, 23-21, in the 62nd Military Classic of the South. Monday, Walsh was named Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Week for his play against the Bulldogs in Charlotte, N.C.

Walsh, a 6-3, 235-pound four-year starter at inside linebacker, made 11 total tackles against the Bulldogs and had one key tackle for loss for -2 yards at midfield that gave VMI momentum to break a 13-13 tie. He also intercepted a pass at the VMI 28 yard-line to halt The Citadel's first drive of the game.

VMI finished the season 6-6, its most wins since 1981 and the first non-losing season in 20 years.

Walsh completed his football career with 349 tackles which ranks seventh all-time on the VMI career charts. In 2002, he ranked second on the team with 72 tackles including seven tackles for loss.

Walsh, a graduate of Bath High School, became the sixth VMI football player this year honored by the SoCon for Player/Freshman of the Week honors

Walsh holds a 3.381 cumulative GPA in Civil Engineering and was honored with other Division I-A and I-AA football players in District III which represent schools in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Walsh also serves as president of the VMI honor court, one of the highest leadership positions in the Corps of Cadets.