Hank Beatty Named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois senior Hank Beatty was named the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday. 

Beatty broke Illinois' 102-year-old single-game punt return yardage record, totaling 133 yards on four punt returns in Friday's 52-3 win over Western Illinois. Beatty beat the previous mark set by college football legend Red Grange in 1923 vs. Nebraska (125 yards). 

Beatty's day was highlighted by a 69-yard touchdown in the third quarter, Illinois' first punt return touchdown since 2013.The 69-yard score was Illinois' longest punt return touchdown since Christian Morton (80 yards) vs. Indiana (11/4/2000) and helped Beatty lead the nation in punt return yardage. Beatty also ranks third in the nation in punt return average (33.25).

Beatty added five receptions for 108 yards, his first career 100-yard receiving game. He led the nation in all-purpose yards during Week 1. 

Illinois is back in action Saturday on the road at Duke. The game is scheduled to kick off at 11 a.m. CT on ESPN.