The Colonials dropped to 2-3 on the season Saturday after a 31-7 loss in their trip to Eastern Kentucky.

However, Colonials linebacker Keon Freeman had a career day put the NEC on notice, winning the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year on Monday.

The Youngstown State transfer had a career-high 10 tackles, including eight solo tackles and two quarterback hurries. The graduate senior is fourth in the conference in tackles.

Freeman played three years at the University of Charleston and two years at Youngstown State.

This is the second time a Colonial has won this award, as Tyris Harvey won the honor following Week 1 against Utah State.

Wide receiver Noah Robinson also was named an NEC Prime Performer in Week 4. He had nine receptions, 89 yards and scored the Colonials only score against against EKU.

The Colonials have a bye this upcoming week and will host the Delaware State Hornets in the annual homecoming game on Oct. 12.