McNees Garners CCIW Defensive Player of the Week

First weekly award of his career

10/2/2023 2:00:00 PM

CCIW Release

NAPERVILLE, Ill. - On the heels of Illinois Wesleyan University football's win at Millikin, Sept. 30, junior defensive end Zach McNees (Hillsboro, Mo.-Hillsboro) was named the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Defensive Player of the Week. The announcement from the league office Monday, Oct. 2, marks the first weekly award of McNees' career.

McNees wreaked havoc in the Big Blue backfield Saturday, Sept. 30, as he led IWU to its first win of the year. The junior made five tackles, all behind the line of scrimmage, as he finished with five tackles for loss and two sacks. He also forced a fumble in a dominating performance that saw Millikin limited to 77 rushing yards.

The Hillsboro, Mo. native has been one of the most effective defensive ends in the league this season. He currently leads the CCIW in tackles for loss (11.0), TFLs per game (2.75), sacks (4.5), and sacks per game (1.13). Moreover, he is fourth across Division III in TFLs, 12th in forced fumbles, and 18th in sacks.

Illinois Wesleyan hosts Washington University in St. Louis this Saturday, Oct. 7, for Homecoming. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. at Tucci Stadium.

Print Friendly Version