CHICAGO, Ill. - Following North Dakota's 35-17 win over RV/No. 20 Youngstown State on Saturday, Fighting Hawk linebacker Malachi McNeal was named the Stats Preform FCS National Defensive Player of the Week on Monday morning.

McNeal led North Dakota's defense in the win over Youngstown State and collected 10 tackles, including nine solo stops. His fourth career game in double figures sparked a defense that limited YSU quarterback Beau Brungard to just 71 yards rushing, 60 yards below his pre-game average. Brungard's 71 yards is an FCS season-low, with the only other team holding him under 100 yards this season being Michigan State.

In the second quarter, McNeal sacked Brungard and helped set up the UND offense for a touchdown, which made the score 28-7 at the time. He also added a pass breakup in the win.

Other players nominated for the award were Cam Chappa (S, Northern Colorado), Rohan Davy (LB, Rhode Island), Jordan Franklin (LB, South Carolina State), Cahari Haynes (LB, Gardner-Webb), Brandon Martin (DE, Dayton), Hasean Sykes (CB, Western Carolina), Zayteak McGhee (S, Houston Christian) and Malachi Wright (LB, Central Connecticut).

McNeal and the Fighting Hawks will visit Southern Illinois this Saturday. Kickoff between the Hawks and Salukis is scheduled for 2 p.m. (CT). The game will be streamed on ESPN+ and carried on the Fighting Hawks Radio Network.