PHILADELPHIA – Senior defensive back Britton Ertman has been honored as the National Defensive Player of the Week after he had one of the most impressive defensive performances in recent University of Pennsylvania football history on Saturday. Ertman was recognized for his efforts when The Sports Network announced the FCS National Players of the Week on Tuesday.

Ertman helped Penn (3-2, 2-0 Ivy) hold off Columbia 15-10 on Saturday at Franklin Field with two interceptions, a fumble recovery, two pass breakups and six tackles with one tackle for loss. The Manhattan Beach, Calif., native got the Quakers off to a great start with an interception on Columbia's first offensive possession that he returned 40 yards to set up a field goal for a 3-0 lead. On the very next drive, he killed off a Lion touchdown opportunity with a pass break-up on third and short, one of two on the day, to make Columbia settle for a field goal.

In the second quarter, Ertman's fumble recovery and return to the Columbia two-yard line set up Penn's only touchdown of the day—and the eventual winning score. In the third quarter, Ertman came back with yet another interception to end Columbia’s drive at the Penn 21-yard line, allowing the Quakers to keep the lead. Ertman finished with six tackles, including one for a four-yard loss on a day when the Quaker defense limited the Lions to 108 passing yards.

Ertman and the Quakers will play their first Ivy League road contest of the year on Saturday at Yale. Kickoff against the Bulldogs is at 12:30 p.m.