Northeastern linebacker Jay Frank made a name for himself in Saturday’s game against Hofstra University, not only in the Atlantic-10, but on the national scene as well.

The sophomore from Green Brook, N.J., recorded 14 tackles (10 solo), a game and career high, while recovering a football for a touchdown in the Huskies’ 37-34 double overtime win over the Pride. He was honored for his efforts by being named the Atlantic-10 Defensive Player of the Week along with the ESPN/USA Today National Defensive Player of the Week on Monday.

Frank has also been named The Northeastern News Player of the Week.

“The defensive line made it real easy for me with a lot of double teams,” Frank said. “Most of the time we were moving free to the ball. And then our offensive coordinator [Eddie Davis] made some unbelievable calls and we were able to win the game.”

Frank’s fumble recovery and touchdown gave the Huskies a 10-7 lead as the two teams entered the second half.

Pride quarterback Anton Clarkson was sacked for seven yards by Brandon Cook back to the Hofstra three-yard line, and after the ball bounced loose toward the end zone, Frank fell on it for an important score.

Frank has appeared in all 10 games for the Huskies, accumulating 38 tackles (23 solo).

“All three of our senior linebackers will be graduating,” Frank said. “Me and Jamil Young, another sophomore, will be juniors and we have some good freshmen coming in.”

Now Frank and the Huskies look to Saturday’s matchup with the University of Rhode Island at Parsons Field (12:30 p.m.) to add one more win to their overall record.

“It would be good to get the last win of the season,” Frank said. “That could carry over into the next season.”

Frank played three years of varsity football at Watchung Hills Regional High School in Green Brook, performing on both offense and defense.

As a running back/quarterback, he ran for over 1,000 yards with 17 touchdowns while passing for 725 yards and nine TDs as a senior captain. Defensively, he played linebacker and had 33 tackles with an interception and two sacks.

He was named the Somerset County Offensive Player of the Year, All-County and first time All-Skyland Conference. He played in the Sunshine Bowl, a New Jersey senior All-Star game. -Staff writer Jeff Powalisz