University of Albany FCS Football's Chris Simpson Chosen ECAC Division I FCS Defensive Player of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2009

Centerville, Mass. - University at Albany's Chris Simpson has been chosen ECAC Division I FCS Defensive Player of the Week in football, as announced on Tuesday, Sept. 22 by the conference office. He was named the Northeast Conference co-defensive player of the week on Monday. The Eastern College Athletic Conference has 317 member institutions, ranging in location from Maine to North Carolina.

Simpson, an inside linebacker from Victor, N.Y., provided the game-changing play in last Saturday's 20-16 upset of No. 20 Maine at University Field. The senior forced a turnover that led to the game-winning touchdown when he hit Maine's Mike Brusko and the quarterback fumbled while running option on a third-and-two play at the Black Bears' 28-yard line. Simpson made a career-high 11 tackles with two hits for a loss and one pass break-up. UAlbany held the Black Bears to 83 of its 267 total yards in the second half.

Simpson, who has 21 tackles in three starting assignments this season, has appeared in 38 career games as both an inside and outside linebacker. He also excels in the classroom and was a member of the 2008 FCS Athletic Director's Association Academic All-Star squad and an NEC Fall Academic Honor Roll recipient.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information