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.
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.
