Mendenhall Named National Player of the Week

URBANA, Ohio (September 4, 2012) - Urbana University quarterback D.J. Mendenhall (West Jefferson, OH) has been named a National Division II Offensive Player of the Week by Beyond Sports Network for his performance in a 53-33 home win over Tusculum College in Week 1.

Mendenhall, who was named a preseason Honorable Mention All-American by BSN, completed 22 of 30 pass attempts for 305 yards and 2 touchdowns.  In addition to those impressive passing stats, Mendenhall also racked up 54 rushing yards and 3 more TDs on the ground.  He fell just 1 rushing TD shy of his own school record of 4 set the last time he faced Tusculum as a true freshman in 2010.  His second rushing score was the 25th of his career, breaking the school record of 24 set by running back Grady Parks in 1989.  He also extended his own school scoring record, recording his 168th career point on his 3rd rushing TD of the afternoon.  The 300-yard passing game was the third of Mendenhall's career.

This week, Mendenhall and the Blue Knights face Seton Hill University.  Urbana is 5-0 all-time against Seton Hill, including a 40-21 win over the Griffins in Week 10 of last season.  Mendenhall threw for 313 yards, rushed for 69 yards and caught an 11-yard TD in that win.  He finished with 5 TDs. [Click here to view the rest of BSN's National Players of the Week]