LAS CRUCES, N.M. - Linebacker Rashie Hodge Jr. was named the College Sports Madness Independent Defensive Player of the Week following his performance in the NM State football team's loss at Georgia Southern Saturday.

The junior racked up eight total tackles, including 2.0 tackles for loss, against the Eagles. He forced the first fumble of his career on the opening drive of the game, also recovering the loose football to card the first fumble recovery of his collegiate career.

The Phoenix, Ariz., native is second on the Aggies in total tackles (63), including 34 solo takedowns. He ranks first on the team in tackles for loss with 8.0.

The Aggies are off this coming weekend. Hodge Jr. and NM State will next travel to Oxford, Miss., to take on Ole Miss on Saturday, Nov. 9.

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