App State football’s Santana Hopper earned the title of National Defensive Player of the Week by PFF College following his standout performance in a 21-19 win over previously unbeaten East Carolina.
Hopper made a significant impact on defense, forcing a fumble with a third-quarter sack and stopping a run for no gain as part of his three tackles during the game. PFF credited him with three quarterback pressures and awarded him an impressive 94.5 run-defense grade.
East Carolina managed just one offensive touchdown on its opening drive and gained 110 yards in the first quarter, but the App State defense, led by Hopper, held them to just 214 yards for the remainder of the game. Overall, ECU was limited to 98 yards on 30 rushing attempts.
