NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State junior middle linebacker Tye Niekamp had a career day in the Redbirds' 42-30 win over in-state rival Eastern Illinois in the 113th Mid-America Classic on Saturday. For his efforts, Niekamp was named the Missouri Valley Football Conference Defensive Player of the Week by the league office on Monday.
Niekamp joins running back L.J. Phillips Jr. of South Dakota (Offensive Player of the Week), kicker/punter Paul Geelen of Southern Illinois (Special Teams Player of the Week) and wide receiver Ayden Price of UNI (Newcomer of the Week) as this week's conference honorees. The weekly honor is the third for Niekamp in his career at Illinois State.
The Normal, Illinois, native recorded a career-high 14 tackles, including 10 solo stops, and was credited with two tackles-for-loss and a quarterback hurry in the victory over the Panthers. The Redbird defense was busy on the day, forcing two turnovers, recording two sacks and seven tackles-for-loss while holding EIU to just 35 yards rushing in the contest.
Illinois State returns to action on Saturday, when the Redbirds host North Alabama (1-2) in a return game from last season. Kickoff on Family Day is set for Noon on Jay and Lori Bergman Field at Hancock Stadium against the Lions.
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