DAVIDSON, N.C.--North Dakota State University cornerback Marcus Williams was selected FCS National Kickoff Returner of the Week, while defensive end Cole Jirik was named the National Defensive Lineman of the Week by College Football Performance Awards.com.

NATIONAL DEFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE WEEK
DE Cole Jirik, North Dakota State
6-4½, 250, Jr., Northfield, Minn. (Northfield H.S.)
Jirik recorded eight tackles including a career-high three sacks and two forced fumbles in No. 1-ranked North Dakota State’s 38-20 win at No. 11 Illinois State on Saturday. Jirik added a pair of QB hurries. The Bison trailed 17-14 at halftime, but came back in the second half to limit Illinois State to 78 yards of total offense. His sack and forced fumble led to a Mike Hardie recovery to setup a fourth quarter TD that put NDSU ahead 31-20 with 9:52 left.

NATIONAL KICKOFF RETURNER OF THE WEEK
CB/RS Marcus Williams, North Dakota State
5-11, 194, Jr., Minneapolis, Minn. (Hopkins H.S.)
Williams returned a kickoff for a career long 98 yards and a touchdown in No. 1-ranked North Dakota State’s 38-20 win at No. 11 Illinois State on Saturday. NDSU trailed 10-0 in the first quarter when Williams broke free for the touchdown to cut into the deficit and stop the Redbirds momentum. It was the second career kickoff return for a TD for Williams, a Buck Buchanan Award candidate, who returned one 90 yard against Missouri State last season. Defensively, Williams added three tackles and a pass breakup.