CONWAY, Ark. _ University of Central Arkansas middle linebacker Frank Newsome put his name in the UCA football record book on Saturday and added a Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Week award on Monday.

Newsome, a senior from Petal, Miss., returned a fumble 98 yards for a touchdown in UCA’s 21-18 win over McNeese State on Saturday. That run broke the 44-year-old record of 94 yards set by Danny Reed against Troy State in 1967.

Newsome also intercepted a pass and had a game-high 11 tackles to lead the Bears’ defensive charge.  UCA improved to 4-3 overall and 3-1 in league play with the victory.

Newsome is UCA’s fourth player to earn Southland Conference honors this season, joining junior receiver Jesse Grandy, junior linebacker Seth Allison and senior receiver/kick returner Isaiah Jackson.