Tallying three sacks last week at Georgia Tech, rising Colorado Buffaloes defensive lineman Lamont Lester received the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week honors alongside Malachi Toney of Miami. It’s the first taste of national recognition this season for the Monmouth transfer.
It was a strong debut, and surely up to speed with where Deion Sanders wants his Buffs.
Lester sacked Georgia Tech quarterback Alberto Mendoza three times over the course of Colorado’s 14-13 road win last week in Atlanta. Mendoza, the younger brother of Indiana national champion turned Las Vegas Raider Fernando Mendoza, threw for 237 yards through the air, but finished in the red rushing-wise with -22 yards on three separate carries.
Originally a three-star recruit, Lester, a native of Jersey City, New Jersey, appeared in 12 games last year at Monmouth for 37 combined tackles, 10 quarterback hits, 11.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass deflection. This year, he’s paired up with Toby Anene, Colorado’s left edge.
It’s not Lester’s first national honor, though. In 2025, Lester saw his name added to the Jerry Rice Award, which recognizes an FCS-level Player of the Year; Lester also finished First Team All-Coastal Athletic Association, as well as the CAA Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Similarly, Colorado’s Chauncey Gooden received the Outland Trophy National Player of the Week honors.
Colorado hosts Weber State on Saturday. Kickoff is slated for 2:30 p.m. CT on ESPN+.
