In his first career start this past Saturday, Kent State sophomore safety Nick Cuthbert led the Flashes’ defense with 16 total tackles and 12 solo tackles.

For his efforts, Cuthbert was tabbed Mid-American Conference East Division Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, according to the Kent State Athletic Department.

Cuthbert guided Kent State’s defense, which only allowed Army to score once in the second half, to a 39-17 Homecoming victory over Army this past Saturday.

During the majority of Saturday afternoon’s game, Cuthbert shadowed Army’s pitchman on option plays, impeding the Black Knights’ rushing attack from gaining more yards on the ground. While the Black Knights averaged 40 points in their first two games against MAC opponents Buffalo and Ball State, Kent State held the Black Knights’ offense to 17 points and just 35 yards passing.

Cuthbert transferred to Kent State as a walk-on last season from Georgia Tech, where he collected practice experience against a triple-option offense. Prior to Saturday he saw his first career action at the beginning of the season on special teams and gradually received more time on defense as the season has progressed.

So far this season, Cuthbert has recorded 25 tackles and one tackle for loss. 

With Cuthbert’s Defensive Player of the Week award and sophomore safety Nate Holley’s pair of Defensive Player of the Week accolades, the team has now earned a combined three Defensive Player of the Week honors this season.

The Flashes will return to action this Saturday when they take on Miami on the road at 2:30 p.m.

Contact Richie Mulhall at [email protected].