NEW ORLEANS – New Mexico State's Rodney Butler was named the Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Monday as announced by the league Monday morning after registering 18 tackles Saturday night against UL-Lafayette with six solo tackles as the Aggies defeated the Ragin' Cajuns 37-31 in double overtime.
 
This is the second weekly conference honor for Butler and the third overall for the Aggies this season.
 
The NM State captain also picked up his third-career interception in the second quarter when he stepped in front of Anthony Jenning's pass. His last interception came in 2015, also against the Ragin' Cajuns. The 6-1 linebacker also forced a fumbled in the first quarter, the fourth of his career.
 
The Palm Springs, Calif., product not only leads the Aggies in tackles, but also the nation with 75 (29 solo, 46 assist) total tackles. The senior is also ranked in the top-25 nationally in solo tackles (#18) and forced fumbles (#24).
 
NM State football will have this week to rest up with a bye week before heading to Moscow, Ida., to play the Vandals of Idaho on Oct. 15.