By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Inside linebacker Mikael Ruffin (Sr., Puyallup, WA/Rogers HS) of Willamette University has been named to the D3football.com Team of the Week as a result of his strong performance against University of Puget Sound on Saturday, Oct. 28. It is the third time this season that a Bearcat has been chosen for the Team of the Week.

Ruffin led the Willamette defense against the Loggers by recording 13 total tackles, including 11 unassisted tackles. He earned one sack and 1.5 tackles for loss.

"Our linebacker group is a great group of guys," Willamette Head Coach Glen Fowles said. "The past couple of weeks, Mikael has played at a very high level. He has a great motor, and truly deserves the recognition."

In the last two games, Ruffin has achieved 25 total tackles. He made 12 tackles against Pacific Lutheran University on Oct. 22. For the season, he ranks third for the Bearcats with 50 total tackles.

Willamette lost to Puget Sound, 14-13, in Tacoma, Washington. The Bearcats return home this weekend to take on Pacific University at McCulloch Stadium. Kickoff on Saturday, Nov. 4 is set for 1 p.m. (PDT).