Oct. 7, 2002

DAVIS, Calif. - UC Davis middle linebacker Dan Elbanna was named Monday as the D2Football.com National Defensive Player of the Week after spiriting a strong defensive effort by the Aggies on Saturday in their 38-21 win over Sacramento State in the 49th Annual Causeway Classic at Hughes Stadium.

Elbanna, a redshirt freshman from Walnut Creek, was called upon to start the game in place of injured Kelly Valaau. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Elbanna responded with an outstanding game, recording 14 total tackles - three of them solo - including a sack. He added an interception and also blocked a punt in the second quarter, resulting in a touchdown by teammate Michael Penna that staked the Aggies to a 17-0 lead.

He was part of an Aggie defensive that held the Hornets to just 59 yards total rushing.

UC Davis, 4-1 this season, won its fourth straight game and is off until hosting Humboldt State in the Aggies' annual Homecoming game on Oct. 19 at Toomey Field.