PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Following a fast start to the 2021 season, Olakunle Fatukasi claimed the Chuck Bednarik Award Player of the Week on Wednesday. The linebacker posted a game-high nine tackles with four for loss, three sacks, a forced fumble and a safety in the victory over Temple.
 
The Bednarik Award is presented annually to the top defensive player in college football by the Maxwell Football Club.
 
On the opening defensive series of the season, Fatukasi came through with a sack in the end zone to put the Scarlet Knights on top. The four tackles-for-loss and three sacks both set career highs. The last Rutgers defender with four tackles-for-loss in a game was Justin Francis versus USF in 2011. Fatukasi became the fifth Scarlet Knight with at least three sacks in a game in program history.
 
This marks the second time Fatukasi earns national recognition as Bednarik Player of the Week, as he also garnered the honor after the 2020 opening victory at Michigan State. Fatukasi is a member of the Bednarik Award, Butkus Award and Nagurski Trophy watch lists, and is a two-time Rutgers captain who was voted First Team All-Big Ten by the media last year.
 
Rutgers heads to the road this Saturday to face Syracuse at the Carrier Dome. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. on ACC Network. The RWJBarnabas Health Rutgers Sports Network has the radio call.
 
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