Exilhomme Named NEC Defensive Player of the Week on Monday

Sophomore defensive back DJ Exilhomme was named the Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Monday.  Exilhomme and the Blue Devils, now 4-1 in NEC play, will host Duquesne on Saturday at 12 p.m. on ESPN3 for a share of their second-straight NEC title. The Blue Devils are coming off a 30-14 road victory at Saint Francis U on Saturday.

Exilhomme spearheaded a defensive effort that limited Saint Francis to 3.3 yards per play and helped CCSU remain alive in the chase for the NEC crown. The strong safety made a team-high nine tackles during the 30-14 road win. He also recorded two takeaways, including a major momentum shifter in the fourth quarter.

Exilhomme denied Saint Francis on what could have been the game-tying drive. With CCSU protecting a 21-14 advantage, Exilhomme picked off a pass in the end zone on a 3rd-and-Goal play. He returned the interception to the CCSU 30-yard line and the Blue Devils proceeded to march to an insurance touchdown. Helping the Blue Devils hold their opponent under the 100-yard rushing mark for the fifth time this season, Exilhomme made three key hits in run defense. His second-down tackle limited SFU to a two-yard gain late in the second quarter and it led to a punt two plays later.

After SFU advanced to the CCSU 36-yard line on the opening possession of the second half, he helped derail the drive by dropping the ball carrier for a one-yard loss on 2nd-and-10. The strong safety also made a hit for no gain on the Red Flash's second possession of the third quarter.

Exilhomme also recovered a fumble on a running play in the second quarter.