Carson-Newman's Russell Named D2Football.com National Defensive Player of the Week

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Carson-Newman safety Mario Russell (Columbus, Ohio) was named National Defensive Player of the Week by D2Football.com on Wednesday.

Russell tied a NCAA Division II record with four forced fumbles in the Eagles' 23-20 win over Newberry on Saturday afternoon at Burke-Tarr Stadium.

The junior forced back-to-back fumbles in the first half to set up C-N's only two touchdowns of the day. He also forced a fourth-quarter fumble to set up C-N's game-winning drive in the final minute.

The first team All-South Atlantic Conference selection also recorded eight tackles and had five pass break-ups.

"It's been since maybe the days of (former C-N standout) Chuck Proffitt that I saw hits from a safety that I saw (on Saturday) from (Russell)," C-N head coach Ken Sparks said. "It was very, very impressive."

"He made some unbelievable plays. It was one of the best performances I had seen in a long time here, and we've had some great ones. He's a difference maker."

Russell's performance made him the national leader in forced fumbles with four and he is now 12th in passes defended with eight on the season.

C-N returns to action on Saturday in a SAC matchup at Mars Hill. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. in Mars Hill, N.C.