October 11, 2018-Emporia State sophomore linebacker Jace McDown has been named the D2Football.com National Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in the Hornets 28-24 win over then #18 Ft. Hays State.

McDown had a game-high 12 tackles, three for a loss, forced a fumble and had an interception as the Hornets came from behind for the win. With the Hornets trailing 7-0 in the first quarter, he had a tackle for loss on second and goal from the one yard line and Emporia State was able to force a fumble on the next play to stay within a touchdown. After  a three and out by the Hornet offense, he forced a fumble on the first play from scrimmage following a Tiger punt return to the ESU 36 yard line. In the second quarter McDown had a touchdown saving tackle on a first and goal play by FHSU and then got his first career interception on third down to keep it a one score game. McDown reached double figures in tackles for the fourth time this season. He leads the MIAA in solo tackles with 39 in six games this season.

He is the first Hornet to earn weekly national honors from D2Football.com since Brent Wilson was named the Offensive Player of the Week following the Hornets win over Central Oklahoma in 2015.

The Hornets are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Warrensburg, Mo. to take on Central Missouri.  Kick-off from Kennedy Field/Walton Stadium is set for 1:00 p.m.