ST. LOUIS – Illinois State linebacker Zeke Vandenburgh and kick returner Jalen Carr each played huge roles in the Redbirds coming away with a win over Valparaiso in the home opener at Hancock Stadium Saturday night. For their efforts, each came away with a Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week honors on Sunday as announced by the league.
Vandenburgh takes home MVFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for the second time in his career, while Carr earned the first MVFC Special Teams Player of the Week honor in his time at Illinois State.