True freshman cornerback Mike Banks earned the conference award after recording seven tackles in ISU's win over SDSU.
Sept. 25, 2011
ST. LOUIS -
Illinois State freshman cornerback Mike Banks set a new career high in tackles and recovered a key fumble late in Illinois State's win over South Dakota State Saturday at Hancock Stadium. For his efforts, Banks was named the Missouri Valley Football Conference Newcomer of the Week by the conference office Sunday.
The award is the first for Banks and the first MVFC weekly award for the Redbirds this season.
Banks recorded a career-high seven stops and recovered a fumble in the fourth quarter to help preserve a 20-13 victory over the Jackrabbits in the Redbirds' conference home opener. The University Park, Ill., native finished with five solo stops and two assists and recovered the fumble forced by Ben Ericksen, which prevented a would-be tying touchdown for the Jackrabbits.
A starter in all four games this season for the Redbirds, Banks has a total of 21 tackles, which includes 16 solo stops. Banks and the rest of the Redbirds (2-2, 1-1 MVFC) will return to the field Saturday, Oct. 1, against nationally-ranked North Dakota State (3-0, 0-0 MVFC) in Fargo, N.D. Kickoff is schedule for 1 p.m. at the Fargodome.
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