Returns Four Kickoffs a Total of 122 Yards
SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University wide receiver Jake Knecht (So., Issaquah, WA/Skyline HS/Illinois State Univ.) has been chosen Northwest Conference Football Special Teams Student-Athlete of the Week for his efforts on kickoff returns against Hardin-Simmons University on Saturday, Sept. 11. He averaged 30.5 yards per return.
Knecht gained 122 yards on four kickoff returns against the Cowboys. His longest return covered 45 yards, with his other attempts resulting in returns of 30, 29 and 18 yards.
For the season, Knecht is averaging 27.2 yards per kickoff return. He ranks third in the Northwest Conference.
Willamette lost to Hardin-Simmons, 31-22, in Abilene, Texas, in a battle of nationally ranked NCAA Division III teams. Hardin-Simmons was ranked #14 prior to the game and moved up to #8 in this week's D3football.com Top 25. Willamette was ranked #13 a week ago and remained #13 this week.
The Bearcats will host in-state rival Southern Oregon University this weekend in the home opener at McCulloch Stadium. The Raiders enter the game ranked #24 in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Game time is set for 1:30 p.m. (PDT).
Jake Knecht averaged 30.5 yards per kickoff return in Willamette's game versus Hardin-Simmons.