LAKE CHARLES – McNeese defensive lineman Phillip Bradford has been named this week's Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Week as well as honorable mention for national player of the week by Stats Perform.
 
Bradford recorded the best game of his career all while making his first start in a 50-3 win over Northwestern State this past Saturday.
 
The junior from Monroe recorded two sacks and 4.5 tackles for a loss, both career highs, and led the Cowboys with six total tackles on the night. He added three quarterback hurries and recovered a fumble as the defense held the Demons out of the end zone all night while allowing a season-low 178 total yards.
 
For the season, Bradford leads the Southland and is ranked 21^st in the FCS with 11 total tackles for a loss and a 1.22 per game average while his four sacks are tied as the third-most on the season in the league.
 
As a team, McNeese is fourth in the conference with both 20 sacks and 52 tackles for a loss.
 
Bradford is the second Cowboy and third selection for player of the week this season. Quarterback Jake Strong has earned offensive player honors twice.
 
The Cowboys will be back in action on Saturday when they visit East Texas A&M at 4 p.m.