Jon Morgan Garners NEC Defensive Player Of The Week Honor

SOMERSET, N.J. -- University at Albany linebacker Jon Morgan has been named the Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Week, announced by the league office Monday.

Morgan’s two second-half interceptions allowed UAlbany to squeak by Sacred Heart, 23-20, and remain unbeaten in Northeast Conference play. The first pick denied Sacred Heart on a third-quarter red zone opportunity and the second interception sealed the victory with 00:57 remaining in regulation.

Morgan also made five tackles, including four solo, all of which stopped the ball carrier short of a first down.

With Sacred Heart looking to add to a 13-10 lead on the opening drive of the second half, Morgan had other plans. The Pioneers attempted a pass play on 3rd-and-goal from the 6-yard line, only to watch Morgan come up with an interception at the two. Morgan struck again with the Pioneers operating at their own 45-yard line and looking to erase a 23-20 deficit.  The 6-foot-2 senior linebacker came up with his second interception of the game on a 3rd-and-4 play with 57 seconds left, ending any hopes of a Pioneer victory.

The honor marks the seventh NEC Player of the Week award for UAlbany this season, and first in Morgan’s career.

The Great Danes (7-1, 5-0 NEC) are back in action Saturday when they play host to Wagner College. Kickoff at University Field will be at 1:00 p.m.