MACOMB, Ill. - Western Illinois football linebacker J.J. Raffelson was named Papa John's Scholar-Athlete of the Week for his accomplishments on the field and in the classroom.

The Lake Zurich, Ill. native started in all 11 games for Western and led the Leathernecks in total tackles with 105. He’s the first freshman in Western’s Division I era to lead the team in tackles. He recorded a team-high 10+ tackles in five games including a season high 13 tackles against Illinois State, Indiana State and Youngstown State. Raffelson also recorded four tackles for loss and two pass break ups this season.

In the classroom, Raffelson has earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.034 and is pursuing a degree in Pre-Law Enforcement and Justice Administration.

PREVIOUS SCHOLAR-ATHLETE WINNERS:

August 27 - Sarah Hall (Women's Soccer)
September 3 - Samantha Fournier (Volleyball)
September 10 - Pat Smith (Football)
September 17 - Zach Wiedeman (Cross Country)
September 24 - Ann Miller (Volleyball)
October 1 - Mitch Granger (Men's Tennis)
October 8 - Wil Lunt (Football)
October 15 - Alycia Thurston (Cross Country)
October 22 - Kristi Tschudin (Women's Golf)
October 29 - Nathan Bruinsma (Men's Soccer)
November 5 - Katie Condon (Women's Soccer)
November 12 - Charlie Bales (Men's Soccer)
November 19 - J.J. Raffelson (Football)