Youngstown State senior defensive back Dathan Hickey was named the Missouri Valley Football Conference's Defensive Player of the Week following his stellar season-opening effort in the opener last Thursday vs. Mercyhurst.

Hickey's YSU debut was impressive as he was credited with 13 tackles to go along with a key fourth quarter interception and a forced and recovered fumble in the second quarter.

A transfer from Yale, Hickey had not played a collegiate game in 706 days. His interception came in the fourth quarter with 2:15 left and YSU clinging to a nine-point lead. He returned it 21 yards and YSU was able to run out the clock.

Hickey is the first Penguin to earn the defensive honor since Alex Howard on Nov. 7, 2022.

Joining Hickey as the top MVFC standouts from the first week were Indiana State QB Plez Lawrence (Offense), Indiana State PK Sebastian Lopez (Special Teams) and South Dakota State RB Julius Loughridge (Newcomer).

The Penguins (1-0) play their only home game of September this Saturday when they play host to Robert Morris. Kickoff at Stambaugh Stadium is set for 2 p.m.