ROCKFORD, Ill. - The Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference announced Tuesday afternoon that Rockford University linebacker Joey Alvarez has been named the NACC Football Defensive Player of the Week. Alvarez is the first RU football player to receive an award from the conference this season and is the first defensive player to earn a NACC weekly award since 2021. 

Freshman linebacker Joey Alvarez had a career day for Rockford on Saturday against Benedictine. He tallied a game and career-high 18 tackles, including a half tackle for loss. His 18 tackles is tied for the fifth most in a game in program history and is just one off the school record. He also intercepted a pass and helped the Regents hold the Eagles to just 9 yards passing in the game.

The RU football team returns home on Saturday, October 28 to face Aurora University. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 PM at Sam Greeley Field.