Drake University fifth-year senior defensive lineman Nathan Clayberg (Pella, Iowa) has been named the Pioneer Football League Defensive Player of the Year, the league announced Monday, Nov. 26.

Clayberg captained one of the nation's top defenses as the Bulldogs rank eighth nationally in scoring defense (18.3 ppg), 13th in total defense (198.3 ypg), sixth in rushing defense (95.1 ypg), eighth in interceptions (16 INT) and seventh in tackles for loss (8.3 TFL/g) in the FCS ranks. Overall, the defense ranks in the top 15 nationally in nearly every defensive statistic.

Individually, Clayberg has recorded 30 tackles including 9.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 stacks. He has also broken up six passes and the line and blocked two kicks this season.

He is the the fourth Bulldog to win PFL Defensive Player of the Year honors and the first since Tyler Moorehead in 2012.

Clayberg and the Bulldogs close the 2018 season Dec. 1 at Iowa State. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. at Jack Trice Stadium.