Oct. 27, 2005

University of Dayton sophomore safety Brandon Cramer has been named the NCAA Division I-AA Mid-Major Defensive Player of the Week by the Football Gazette for his performance in Dayton's 52-7 win over Valparaiso last Saturday.

Cramer, a graduate of Anthony Wayne High School in Toledo, came up with two turnovers and scored the pivotal touchdown in the game. Late in the first half, Valpo appeared to destined to score a TD that would cut the Flyer lead to seven points (21-14). Crusader quarterback Ryan Doerffler had scrambled loose and was heading for the pylon but Dayton linebacker John Hoppe ran him down from behind at the one-yard line and stripped the ball free. Cramer picked it up on the bounce at the two and sprinted 98 yards for the touchdown that gave UD a 28-7 halftime lead. Cramer also intercepted a pass and had five tackles.

For the season Cramer leads the Flyers in passes broken up (5) and fumbles forced (2), and is third on the team in hits (47 hits).

UD is 7-1 on the season and ranked second in the Sports Network's I-AA Mid-Major poll, behind Pioneer Football League rival San Diego. UD is also third in the Football Gazette's rankings, behind USD and Morehead State (who Dayton beat 42-7 at Morehead on September 27). The Flyers play at Davidson Saturday.