FRANKLIN, Mass. – September 5, 2023 – Senior defensive end Austin Roy (Blackstone, Mass.) has been named to the D3football.com Team of the Week.

Roy becomes the sixth student-athlete in program history to earn a spot on the weekly national list, joining Errol Breaux (2021), Ricco Aaron (2017), Marquez Walls (2017), Shannon Moxey (2018) and Tyzhon Poole (2019).

Roy was everywhere on the defensive side of the ball for the Bulldogs helping the team to a 33-17 season opener win over Fitchburg State. The senior defensive end finished with eight tackles, four that went for a loss of 31 yards. He added three sacks that pushed the Falcons back 26 yards. Roy also forced three fumbles, including one that was scooped up by a teammate and brought in for a touchdown to put the game out of reach early in the fourth quarter.

D3football.com Release > HERE

In addition to his national recognition, Roy was named the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) Defensive Player of the Week. Freshman linebacker Kevin Smith Jr. (Liberty City, Fla.) was named ECFC Co-Rookie of the Week. In his Dean debut, Smith Jr. posted a game best 11 tackles. He also added a pass breakup to help limit the Falcons passing attack.

ECFC Release > HERE

Dean (1-0) will host Nichols on Saturday at nearby Franklin High School for a game under the lights with a 7 p.m. kickoff.