Montclair, NJ (10/3/10) – Freshman linebacker Dan Avento (Montvale, NJ / Pascack Hills) earned his second straight New Jersey Athletic Conference Defensive Rookie of the Week honor on Sunday.

It marks the fourth straight week that MSU has received one of the league's weekly accolades. Freshman running back A.J. Scoppa (New Milford, NJ / New Milford) was selected as the Offensive Rookie of the Week on September 19 and running back Chris D'Andrea (Union, NJ / Union) was selected Offensive Player of the Week on September 12.

Avento earns NJAC Defensive Rookie of the Week honors for the second consecutive week after helping the Red Hawks remain unbeaten with a 21-7 NJAC road win at rival Kean. In the victory for No. 16/17 MSU, he collected six tackles, including three solo stops, and two tackles for a loss.

Avento currently ranks tied for 29th in the NJAC in tackles with an average of 6.0 per game.