Maverick football has been on a tear lately, and its defense has played a big role in its success.

With the 42-0 drubbing of Ft. Lewis on Saturday, CMU recorded its second shutout of the season and is holding opposing teams to an average of only two touchdowns a game. The leader of the defensive unit, senior linebacker Jake Edmiston, has been stellar so far this season with 104 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and two interceptions through seven games.

His number of total tackles ranks as the best individual performance in Division II thus far and third in all of college football, including Division I. In the Mavs home win over Western New Mexico, Edmiston recorded 23 tackles and earned the RMAC player of the week as well as the USAfootballbowl.com National Player of the Week award.

“It’s definitely quite the honor,” Edmiston said. “I’m excited not only for myself but for my teammates and coaches as well. There’s no doubt about it, I couldn’t have done it without them.”

With the national award, Edmiston also received an invitation to attend the USA Football Bowl Festival, an event taking place this January in which players from all divisions of the NCAA and the NAIA meet in Hoover, Ala.

The festival is designed to recognize their achievements during the year and play in front of professional scouts. Members of the National Football League, Arena Football League, Indoor Football League, and European league will be in attendance to see the showcase of talent at the end of the NCAA season. Edmiston explained that it will be a chance to meet other coaches and athletes from around the country and give CMU some positive exposure.

“It seems like it is a great opportunity,” he said. “It’s a chance to play one more game and make connections with some of the players and coaches. I’m proud to represent my family, my team, and it will be good to get Colorado Mesa some recognition.”

Edmiston also explained that while he is honored by the conference and national awards, the current season is still the top priority.

“I think it has the potential to open some doors for me in the future, but that’s in the back of my mind right now,” Edmiston said. “I want to continue to play well and finish out the season strong and keep on this winning streak.”

mfreter@mavs.coloradomesa.edu