Malauulu named Defensive Player of the Week

Kent+State+linebacker+C.J.+Malauulu+is+about+to+tackle+a+Ball+State+player+at+the+Sept.+29+game+at+Dix+Stadium.+Photo+by+Brian+Smith.

BRIAN JAMES SMITH

Kent State linebacker C.J. Malauulu is about to tackle a Ball State player at the Sept. 29 game at Dix Stadium. Photo by Brian Smith.

Tim Dorst

Kent State Players of the Week this season

Week 1: Dri Archer: Special Teams Player of the Week

Week 4: Darius Polk: Defensive Player of the Week

Week 5: Dri Archer: Special Teams Player of the Week

Week 6: Trayion Durham: Offensive Player of the Week

Week 7: Dri Archer: Offensive Player of the Week

Week 8: Trayion Durham: Offensive Player of the Week

Freddy Cortez: Special Teams Player of the Week

Week 9: Luke Batton: Defensive Player of the Week

Week 10: Roosevelt Nix: Defensive Player of the Week

Week 12: Dri Archer: Offensive Player of the Week

Anthony Melchiori: Special Teams Player of the Week

Week 13: C.J. Malauulu: Defensive Player of the Week

Kent State senior linebacker C.J. Malauulu became another player to receive Mid-American Conference honors following a Flashes victory.

Malauulu was named MAC East Division Defensive Player of the Week Monday for his performance in the Flashes’ 28-6 victory over Ohio Friday afternoon.

The senior recorded seven tackles, a forced fumble and an interception against the Bobcats to help the No. 17-ranked Flashes secure a perfect 8-0 conference record.

In the first quarter of Friday’s game, Malauulu forced Ohio running back Beau Blankenship to fumble, allowing junior safety Luke Wollet to recover the ball and return it 50 yards for a touchdown. Malauulu intercepted a pass from quarterback Tyler Tettleton later in the quarter and returned it for a 33-yard touchdown.

The interception was Malauulu’s first of the 2012 season. The Flashes lead all Football Bowl Subdivision teams in forced turnovers with 35.

This season, Malauulu has compiled 66 tackles and two forced fumbles.

Contact Tim Dorst at [email protected].