SOMERSET, N.J. - After returning a punt 65 yards for a touchdown in Duquesne's 28-24 victory over Wagner on Saturday, running back Mark Allen (Hyattsville, Md. / DeMatha Catholic / Penn State) was named the Northeast Conference (NEC) Special Teams Player of the Week, league officials announced on Monday afternoon.

This is Allen's second conference player of the week award this season after the Penn State graduate transfer was named NEC Co-Offensive Player of the Week following his performance in the Dukes' road win at Dayton on Sept. 21.

Allen is the first Duquesne player to earn NEC Special Teams Player of the Week accolades since Xavier Nelson on Nov. 21, 2016.

With the Dukes holding a 21-14 lead over the Seahawks early in the fourth quarter, the Hyattsville, Md. native fielded a 47-yard punt at his own 35-yard line on the far hash, sprinting across the field and up the opposite sideline for the 65-yard score.

He gave Duquesne its first lead of the game with a two-yard rushing score on the opening drive of the second half, gaining 66 of the 77 yards on the Dukes' eight-play scoring march. He finished with 156 all-purpose yards and two total touchdowns on the day. 

Allen's 65-yard punt return for a touchdown represents the Dukes' longest punt return for a score since Devin Rahming's 84-yarder against Dayton on Sept. 13, 2014.

He leads the NEC in all-purpose yardage, averaging 139.57 yards per game.  

Merrimack quarterback Christian Carter was named NEC Offensive Player of the Week, Central Connecticut linebacker Tre Jones and Robert Morris linebacker Aniello Buzzacco Co-Defensive Players of the Week and Robert Morris wide receiver Garrett Houser Rookie of the Week.

In addition, running back A.J. Hines (Wilson, N.C.) garnered NEC Prime Performer recognition with his third-straight 100-yard rushing performance with 113 yards on 26 carries and a touchdown for the Dukes. He became Duquesne's all-time leader in career rushing touchdowns in the win with his 42nd career rushing score.

The Dukes return to action this Saturday hosting Saint Francis U at noon at Rooney Field. For ticket information, please call 412-232-DUKE (3853) or visit www.GoDuquesne.com/tickets.