ST. LOUIS -- MSU offensive lineman David Arkin, a junior from Wichita, Kan., has been named Missouri Valley Football Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week for his efforts in the Bears' 31-7 win over Indiana State on Saturday, the league announced Monday.

Because of injuries on the Missouri State offensive line, Arkin moved from his usual spot at right guard -- where he had started the previous 31 straight games -- to his first-ever start at left tackle Saturday. Despite the change in assignment, he graded out at an amazing 87-percent in the game and recorded six knockdown blocks.

Arkin's efforts contributed to the Bears securing their fourth winning season this decade.  He helped the MSU running backs average 5.3 yards per carry, while the offense averaged 5.6 yards per play overall against the Sycamores. 

Last week, Arkin was announced as a CoSIDA Academic All-District selection and finalist for Academic All-America honors with his 3.70 Grade Point Average in Construction Management.

Arkin has now won the MVFC Offensive Lineman of the Week award four times, including two selections in 2007 and a previous honor this year for his performance against Youngstown State on October 3. He was also on the Preseason All-MVFC team this fall.

The Bears (6-4, 4-3 MVFC) conclude their 2009 campaign this Saturday at 2 p.m. when they travel to Carbondale, Ill., to take on the No. 1-ranked Salukis of Southern Illinois in the final regular-season game in historic McAndrew Stadium.