CHICAGO, Ill. -- Sophomore defensive back and punt returner Juan Nieves was named a College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Student-Athlete of the Week on Monday afternoon. Nieves was the Special Teams Player of the Week after returning a punt 90 yards for a touchdown last Saturday (9/24) against Millikin.
Nieves, a CCIW second-team all-conference player in 2021, showcased one of the best plays in the country on Saturday. After Millikin attempted to pin the Vikings within 15 yards of their own endzone, huddling around the ball, Nieves jumped in, maneuvered a few would-be tacklers, and returned the punt 90 yards for the first touchdown of the game for NPU.
He also showed well on defense, totaling 1.5 tackles for a loss of seven yards, 1.5 sacks for a loss of seven yards, and broke up three passes.