Kieran Severa (Lawrence, Kan.), a fifth-year senior linebacker on the Drake University football team, has been named the Pioneer Football League's Defensive Player of the Week, the league announced Sunday, Sept. 30.

Severa earned the honor as part of a defensive unit that surrendered just 218 yards in a dominating 41-9 win at Jacksonville to open the PFL season. The defense yielded just one score, on a 73-yard play that accounted for more than a third of Jacksonville's total offensive production.

Individually, Severa registered eight total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and a fumble recovery. He also had a tackle for no gain to make 3.5 of his total tackles for a loss or no gain.

Severa has captained a defense that has allowed just 186.5 yards per game in the last two games and only allowed two scores.

On the season, Drake leads the PFL in total defense at 264.7 yards per game and scoring defense.

Drake's defense and the Bulldog return home Saturday, Oct. 6, to continue the PFL season against Butler. Kickoff at Drake Stadium is set for 1 p.m.