Junior linebacker Corey Mitchell was named the STATS FCS National Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in the Elon University football team’s 21-13 victory over Gardner-Webb University.
Mitchell, who was also named Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Defensive Player of the Week, had a career-high 18 tackles that night, eight of which were solo tackles. Additionally, he had three tackles in the three overtime periods.
He also forced a fumble in the third quarter, which directly led to Elon’s first touchdown and broke up a pass. Mitchell leads the entire CAA with 24 tackles through two games this season.
Mitchell is the first national player of the week for Elon since Aaron Mellette was recognized Nov. 19, 2012 and the first Elon defensive player to be awarded a national player of the week recognition since Chad Nkang Nov. 17, 2006.