Senior saftey Nate Holley was named the Mid-American Conference East Division Defensive Player of the Week following his stellar play against Penn State on Saturday.

Holley — a team game captain for Saturday’s game — was a force through the whole game, collecting 17 total tackles (which was the top tackle total for either teams) one tackle for loss, and a key stop on a two-point conversion. Holley now has 332 tackles in his Kent State career. 

“I think collectively we came together as a unit,” Holley said of the team defense on Saturday. “We can see what we need to fix, and take things more seriously. Like Coach said, our standard is to be great, we weren’t great today”

Holley was a catalyst on both defense and special teams helping the Flashes’ defense heold Penn State to 161 total yards in the first half. The Flashes also forced four three-and-outs and one turnover on downs, which led to the Flashes keeping it competitive up until the fourth quarter.

Holley was named an All-MAC player last season (his second time winning that award) and he is also a two-time member of the Academic All-Mac team. 

The Flashes play their home opener this Saturday when they welcome North Carolina A&T to Dix Stadium for a 6pm showdown, with a fireworks display following the game.

Contact Henry Palattella at [email protected].