By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director

SALEM, ORE. -- Damian Jackson (Jr., FS, Puyallup, WA/Rogers HS) of Willamette University has been selected as the Northwest Conference Football Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week after providing the Bearcats with key plays against California Lutheran University on Saturday, Sept. 19 at McCulloch Stadium. Willamette lost 27-24 despite a tremendous comeback from a 20-0 halftime deficit.

Jackson finished the game with eight total tackles. He also forced a fumble, intercepted a pass and broke up another pass. His interception of CLU quarterback Adam Friederichsen at the Willamette 37-yard line was an athletic play, and it led to the first of three touchdowns by the Bearcats in the 4th quarter.

The WU defense limited the Kingsmen to just 110 yards of total offense in the second half.

In addition to his stellar play on defense, Jackson returned two punts a total of 16 yards and had three kickoff returns for a total of 49 yards.

Willamette does not play this weekend. The Bearcats will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 3 when they are scheduled to host University of Puget Sound at McCulloch Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. (PDT).