Rhode Island's Pena Named FCS National Defensive Player Of The Week
Rob Washburn
UT Martin, Brungard, Pena, Woodard, Stober Claim FCS Football Awards (Week 8) | Opta Analyst
RICHMOND, Va. (October 20, 2025) – Rhode Island senior linebacker
A.J. Pena was named the FCS National Defensive Player of the Week by Stats Perform for his performance in a 58-17 road win by the Rams at UAlbany last Saturday.
The first-team All-American racked up an FCS season-high four sacks while becoming URI’s all-time leader in the victory over the Great Danes. His sacks went for 21 yards in losses and pushed his career total to 34.5 sacks, or 1.5 more than the school’s previous record. He also made six tackles, forced a fumble and had a QB hurry.
Stats Perform also recognized Rhode Island quarterback
Devin Farrell (Offensive), Elon defensive end
Kahmari Brown (Defensive), and William & Mary defensive lineman
Justin Krueger (Freshman) as honorable mention National Player of the Week picks.