FREELAND, Mich. -- Trine's Me'Leick Miles has been named the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association's Defensive Player of the Week.
Miles (Indianapolis, Ind. / Pike) turned in a dominant performance along the defensive line in Saturday's 35-16 victory over Albion. The junior forced his way into the Britons' backfield to record five tackles-for-loss, including a career-high three sacks. Miles totaled nine tackles as the Thunder held Albion to its lowest offensive output of total yards (311) since 2013. He is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time in his career.
Miles is following up an All-MIAA Second Team campaign from 2015 with an even better start to the 2016 season. He leads the MIAA with a career-high 12 tackles-for-loss, while his five sacks also represent a new career-best. Miles' rate of 2.4 tackles-for-loss per game ranks third in the nation.
In addition to his contributions on defense, Miles has also been a key special teams performer. He blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown in a 55-27 victory over Aurora. Miles has blocked six kicks in his career.
Trine will carry a 4-1 overall record and 1-0 MIAA mark into Saturday's contest at Kalamazoo. The Hornets enter the matchup 2-3 overall and 0-2 in conference play. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.