BOILING SPRINGS – Gardner-Webb defensive end Ty French was named FCS National Defensive Player of the Week on Monday by Stats Perform, his second major national award in two seasons.

French (Moultrie, Ga. / Colquitt County HS) was also named Big South Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Monday.

The 6-foot-3, 230-pound sophomore was on fire throughout Gardner-Webb's 28-17 win over Robert Morris, with his early efforts helping the Runnin' Bulldogs build a comfortable 21-0 lead through 16 minutes of action.

French finished the day with nine total tackles (five solo), 4.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks and two fumble recoveries – including one for a touchdown. He forced a fumble and added four quarterback pressures in the win. 

With Gardner-Webb holding a 7-0 lead, French sprinted off the right side for a sack at the goal line and stripped the football away for a touchdown and a 14-0 lead. On the next drive he broke through and after the ball got away – scooped up the pigskin and raced down to the Robert Morris 22-yard line with 10 seconds left in the first quarter. Gardner-Webb scored two plays later for a 21-0 lead on the first play of the second quarter.

Seven of French's tackles either forced third-and-long, a fourth down or ended drives. His efforts were part of a greater overall team effort that limited the Colonials to just five net rushing yards and 207 total yards on Saturday. Gardner-Webb's defense sacked Robert Morris six times and forced five turnovers in the win.

French has 40 total tackles this season, with 8.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and 12 quarterback pressures.

Gardner-Webb will face its tallest task of the season to date on Saturday, traveling to play 10th-ranked Kennesaw State on the road. Kickoff is set for 1:00 pm in the Peach State.