Trae Heeter Named PFL Offensive Player of the Week

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. -- Butler running back Trae Heeter, who turned in a career-best performance in the Bulldogs’ victory at Taylor, has been named Pioneer Football League Offensive Player of the Week.  It’s the first time the young Butler back has earned the PFL’s weekly honor.

Heeter sparked Butler’s offense at Taylor with a pair of first-half touchdowns.  He scored the game’s first touchdown early in the second quarter on a 15-yard pass reception from quarterback Andrew Huck.  He then scored the game’s second touchdown moments later on a 45-yard run, capping a four-play, 69-yard scoring drive.  It was his second rushing touchdown of the season.

The sophomore tailback finished the day with a career-best 23 carries for a career-high 155 yards.  He added three pass receptions for a career-high 59 yards and one kickoff return for 17 yards.  His 231 all-purpose yards in the game were the ninth-most in the NCAA Division I FCS this season, and he climbed to sixth nationally in all-purpose yards (187.3).

Heeter, a product of Lawrence North High School, posted the highest single game rushing total by a Butler football player since 2008, when Dionte Wiggins rushed for 188 yards against Jacksonville.

Butler rolled up 475 yards in total offense, including a season-high 225 yards on the ground, in the 23-6 victory.  The Bulldogs will begin Pioneer Football League play at home against Drake this week.  The league-opener at the Butler Bowl will begin at noon (ET).