NORMAL, Ill. – Transfer defensive back Shadwel Nkuba II has made a tremendous impact through his first four games in an Illinois State uniform and played a large role in ISU's thrilling 38-36 thrilling marathon win over North Alabama on Saturday. For his efforts, Nkuba II was named the Missouri Valley Football Conference Newcomer of the Week on Tuesday by the league office.
He joins quarterback D.J. Williams of Southern Illinois (Offense), linebacker Chris Presto of Southern Illinois (Defense) and placekicker Andrew Lastovska of Youngstown State (Special Teams) as this week's conference honorees.
Nkuba II had his best day as a Redbird in the team's double overtime victory over the Lions. The Louisiana transfer posted a career-best 10 tackles, including five solo stops, and was credited with a sack, 1.5 tackles-for-loss and an interception in the win. Nkuba II has now recorded one interception in each of the team's first four games to tie the team lead from 2024 set by Tye Niekamp.
The Redbirds will have a bye week, before welcoming in No. 1 ranked North Dakota State on Oct. 4 for a 6 p.m. kickoff to open Missouri Valley Football Conference action.
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