CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- The American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) announced Monday that Wartburg College senior running back Dawson Rud and senior defensive lineman Jake Walker have been named the league's football players of the week. Rud earned Offensive Player of the Week honors, while Walker was selected as Defensive Player of the Week.

Rud (Mondovi, Wis./Mondovi) powered the Wartburg offense with a career-high five rushing touchdowns on 14 carries for a season-best 129 yards in the Knights' 69-26 road victory over Nebraska Wesleyan University on Oct. 3. All five of his rushing touchdowns came in the first half. The senior running back also contributed 25 receiving yards to finish with 154 total yards of offense.

Rud's five rushing touchdowns marked the second-most in a single game in Wartburg history, one shy of the program record held by Hunter Clasen against Monmouth in 2023. His eight rushing touchdowns this season lead the A-R-C and rank eighth nationally.

Walker (Waverly, Iowa/Waverly-Shell Rock) turned in a disruptive performance against the Prairie Wolves, recording two tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack, while forcing and recovering a fumble. The senior defensive lineman also added a pass breakup and two quarterback hits.

Walker helped anchor a Wartburg defensive effort that held Nebraska Wesleyan to just seven rushing yards and forced 10 total turnovers. His pressure along the defensive front contributed to the Knights' control of the line of scrimmage throughout the victory.
 
2026 WARTBURG POTW HONORS
LB Adam Link - Sept. 8
WR Drew Hobart - Sept. 21
RB Dawson Rud – Oct. 5
DL Jake Walker – Oct. 5
 
The No. 11/16-ranked Knights prepare for their homecoming matchup with the Buena Vista University Beavers this Saturday, October 10. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m., at Walston-Hoover Stadium.