Monday, Nov. 7, 2011

DES MOINES, Iowa--Drake punter/kicker Billy Janssen (Round Lake Beach, Ill.) today was named National Punter of the Week by the College Football Performance Awards and recognized as a National All-Star by College Sporting News.

Cornerback Michael Lahart (Chariton, Iowa) earned honorable mention as a top performer at his position by the CFPA this week.

Janssen, who ranks fourth in the Football Championships Subdivision and leads the Pioneer Football League in punting average (44.0), had a net average of 48.7 yards on six punts in Drake's 31-24 defeat of Jacksonville Saturday, including an 83-yarder. That punt is the longest in PFL history, ranks among the 20 longest in FCS history, and is third-longest in Drake football history. Janssen also made a 43-yard field goal and converted all four point-after attempts.

This is the fourth time this year the CFPA has recognized Janssen and the second as Punting Performer of the Week. He earned honorable mention for both his kicking and punting against Missouri S&T (9/17) and again vs. Campbell (10/1), and then earned his first Punter of the Week honor for his effort vs. Valparaiso (10/22).

A fifth-year senior, Janssen is enjoying the best year of his career in both punting and kicking. In addition to his punting prowess he is tied for second in the PFL in field goals with 9.

Lahart had two interceptions and four solo tackles Saturday, contributing to an overall defensive effort that limited the powerful Jacksonville offense to just 292 yards, its third-lowest output of the season. The Drake win ended Jacksonville's 16-game winning streak against PFL competition.

The Bulldogs (8-2, 6-1 PFL) host Dayton on Saturday seeking to earn at least a share of the PFL title with a win.