Sophomore linebacker Khalil Mack has already received numerous accolades.
In his first year, he earned one Mid-American Conference East Division Player of the Week award, was member of Phil Steele's 2010 Postseason All-Freshman team and preseason All-MAC team, and was named to the College Football Performance Awards Watch List for the 2011 Linebacker Trophy.
However, his most recent award may be his biggest one yet.
After last Saturday's dominating performance against Stony Brook by the Bulls, Mack was named National Defensive Performer of the Week by the College Football Performance Awards (CFPA), and was named the MAC East Division Defensive Player of the Week for the second time in his career. The star linebacker recorded eight tackles, 3.5 for a loss, two forced fumbles, a sack, and an interception.
Mack was modest about these recent awards and emphasized his main focus is to win a MAC championship.
"I really don't know the significance of some of these accolades," Mack said. "But at the same time [a National award] is a great opportunity. I'm still focused on winning the MAC championship and my teammates are supporting me 100 percent. That's the only reason why I've been getting these accolades – because of them."
The CFPA has given honorable mention to Buffalo athletes in the past, but Mack is just the second Bull to receive a performer of the week award from the organization, after former tight end Jesse Rack won it back in 2009.
Mack said that some very special spectators inspired his award-winning performance.
"[My father] and my brother were in the stands," Mack said. "When they were watching me, I was a little more motivated than usual."
Mack currently leads the conference in tackles for a loss and forced fumbles, and he is tied for third in sacks.
Head coach Jeff Quinn pointed out that sophomore running back Branden Oliver has also played a role in Mack's elevated performance. Oliver's hard work and impressive play have rubbed off on the award-winner.
"He and Bo are really close," Quinn said. "There is nobody working harder than Bo Oliver and I think… as close as the two of them are, they challenge each other to competitive greatness. They bring out the best in each other."
Quinn boasted that this year, the Bulls are a totally different team. He cited Mack as a prime example of this, and was quick to praise his increased work ethic.
"He wants to be the very best every snap," Quinn said. "These guys are very passionate about being great competitors and it has sort of fueled the fire. [Mack] has been blessed with a lot of God-given skill and he's starting show that. He's making some great things happen for our defense."
Mack was showered with congratulations by his teammates as soon as the award was announced. Senior defensive lineman Richie Smith said in a press conference that Mack's honor was as much theirs as it is his.
It is possible that Ball State (1-1) may change its offensive strategy in Saturday's matchup to avoid Mack's prowess. But the star linebacker stressed that he is ready for whatever the Cardinals, or any opponent, may throw his way.
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Photo: Courtesy of UB Athletics
