WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty University redshirt freshman linebacker Dominic Maultsby Jr. has added another honor to his standout performance in the Hilltoppers' dramatic 43-42 comeback victory over Concord on Sept. 26.

Maultsby Jr. was named a D2Football.com Player of the Week on Monday and was previously selected as the Mountain East Conference Defensive Player of the Week following his performance against the Mountain Lions.

The Orlando, Fla., native led the West Liberty defense with a game-high 14 total tackles, including 10 solo stops, in the come-from-behind victory.

Maultsby Jr. added three tackles for loss totaling 19 yards, a solo sack for an eight-yard loss and a forced fumble as the Hilltopper defense helped West Liberty overcome a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

Concord entered the final quarter with a 42-28 advantage, but West Liberty's defense held the Mountain Lions scoreless over the final 15 minutes. The Hilltoppers then scored 15 unanswered points to complete the comeback and remain unbeaten in MEC play.

The defensive turnaround came after Concord built a 35-21 halftime lead. The Mountain Lions finished the afternoon with 506 total yards but could not find the end zone in the fourth quarter.

West Liberty forced three turnovers in the victory, including Maultsby Jr.'s forced fumble and a fumble recovery by Shambre Jackson.

Maultsby Jr. becomes the second West Liberty player to earn MEC Defensive Player of the Week honors this season, joining Neal Luca, who received the award on Aug. 31.

The D2Football.com honor adds to a growing list of weekly accolades for the Hilltoppers following their dramatic victory. West Liberty improved to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in MEC play and returns to action Saturday at West Virginia State.


West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.