COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Senior linebacker Liam Blaser has been named the RMAC Defensive Player of the Week, announced by the league office on Monday, after creating two turnovers during Chadron State's 69-0 win over Adams State last Saturday.

Making his second start out of seven games played, Blaser recorded six tackles, including three solo stops, but provided the defensive highlight when he intercepted a pass from ASU's Khalil Abdul-Aziz and sprinted 40 yards the other way for a touchdown. 

The play happened with just 34 seconds remaining in the first half and staked Chadron State to a 45-0 halftime lead. It was Blaser's first career interception and the first defensive touchdown of the season for the Chadron State defense.

Later in the third quarter, Blaser alertly pounced on an Adams State fumble to give the Eagles possession inside Adams State territory. It was also the first fumble recovery of the Duncan, Nebraska native's career. Blaser also had one pass break-up.

Both Blaser's pick-six and his fumble recovery were part of a streak of four consecutive Grizzly drives that ended in turnovers as the Eagles forced a season-high four in the game and now have forced 10 this season. 

The Eagles also shut out an opponent for the first time since last October 18 against Fort Lewis. The defense held Adams State to just 241 total yards of offense and only 110 passing yards despite playing reserves through much of the game's second half.

Blaser's win marks the second time this season that Chadron State has won the RMAC Defensive Player of the Week honor, with fellow linebacker Jarred Marquez taking home the award on September 7 after the game against Nebraska-Kearney. CSC has now won the RMAC Defensive Player of the Week after both of its wins so far in 2026.

Punter Triston Hite, who took home both RMAC and D2Football.com National Special Teams Player of the Week honors after the UNK game, is CSC's other conference weekly award recipient so far this season. Chadron State had eight weekly winners in 2025, including five Defensive Player of the Week award winners (four by Logan O'Brien and one by Aiden Kuester).

Chadron State football continues its 2026 schedule with a road game against New Mexico Highlands this Saturday, October 24, with kickoff at 12 p.m.