D2Football.com Players of the Week

September 9th, 2025 7:00am

D2Football.com is pleased to announce the players of the week for week one of the 2025 season. 

Offense

Jeffrey Jones, RB, New Mexico Highlands

Last Saturday night, New Mexico Highlands running back Jeffrey Jones set an NCAA Division II record for rushing yards in a single game by a freshman. Jones rushed for 385 yards on 24 carries and scored four touchdowns in leading his Cowboys team to a thrilling 69-55 win over in-state rival Western New Mexico. Through just two games this season (the first of his collegiate career) Jones has rushed for 608 yards and is averaging 14.1 yards per carry. The true freshman is from St. Petersburg, Florida. 

Defense

Michael Shimek, DL, Ashland

Michael Shimek led an Ashland defense that limited IUP to just nine points in the Eagles’ 13-9 season opening victory. Shimek’s night included five tackles, three of which were solo, 3.5 sacks for a loss of  22 yards, and blocked PAT. Shimek, a senior from North Canton, Ohio, is the only player in Ashland history to have 3.5 or more sacks in a single game on multiple occasions. 

Special Teams

Lucas LeSieur, P, Colorado School of Mines

Lucas LeSieur gave the Orediggers a field position advantage with his punting in a 33-31 win at West Texas A&M. He averaged 45.5 yards on four punts, with a long of 65. Three of his punts were downed inside the opponent 10 yard line. His punt that went out of bounds at the seven yard line on the final play of the third quarter would later lead to a defensive TFL for a safety. Lesieur was also the holder for four PAT and a field goal. Lucas LeSier is a redshirt freshman from Walnut Creek, CA who was competing in his first collegiate game.

Past players of the week 

Week Zero

• Offense: Leonard Farrow, RB, Fairmont State
• Defense: Tristan Exline, LB, UT Permian Basin
• Special teams: Caleb Bonesteel, K, Wingate