Monday, Oct. 24, 2011

DES MOINES, Iowa--Drake punter/kicker Billy Janssen (Round Lake Beach, Ill.) was named National Punter of the Week by the College Football Performance Awards today.

Quarterback Mike Piatkowski (Wheaton, Ill.) was recognized with honorable mention at his position this week.

Janssen, who ranks fourth in the FCS in punting average (45.27), had a net average of 52.0 yards on three punts in Drake's 50-0 victory of Valparaiso Saturday at Drake Stadium. His longest punt covered 70 yards, the longest of his career, and he placed two punts inside the 20-yard line with no touchbacks.

This is the third time this year the CFPA has recognized Janssen. He earned honorable mention for both his kicking and punting against Missouri S&T (9/17) and again vs. Campbell (10/1).

A fifth-year senior, Janssen is enjoying the best year of his career in both punting and kicking. He leads the Pioneer Football League in punting average and ranks third in field goals with 9.

The Bulldogs (6-2, 4-1 PFL) travel to Marist on Saturday looking to keep pace in the race for the PFL title. Drake and San Diego are tied for second at 4-1, trailing league-leader Jacksonville (5-0).