Linebacker Tyler Drake leading way for Penn defense

One of the traditions that first-year Penn coach Ray Priore wanted to establish was not naming his tri-captains until the fall semester as opposed to the spring.

"I didn't want it to be a popularity contest," Priore said. "I wanted the guys to be able to see who worked the hardest to improve over the summer."

According to Priore - and judging by the results - no one worked any harder than senior outside linebacker Tyler Drake.

Drake, from Plantation, Fla., and a product of powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas, was named a captain alongside lineman Dan Connaughton and tight end Ryan O'Malley. After the Quakers' 34-20 win over visiting Yale on Friday, Drake was among three Penn players to gain weekly Ivy League honors.

Junior quarterback Alek Torgersen (25 for 35, four touchdowns, 47 rushing yards) was named offensive player of the week and freshman wide out Christian Pearson (six catches, 133 yards, two touchdowns) was named top freshman.

Defensive player of the week Drake recorded six tackles (three solos) and had an interception, a forced fumble, and a sack. He will lead Penn's defense against host Brown (4-2, 2-1 Ivy League) on Saturday.

"It's nice to get this kind of recognition, especially with your teammates getting honored, too," said Drake, who chose Penn over a number of schools, including Yale, where his brother graduated two years ago. "This has turned into the most fun I've ever had playing football."

Drake has been the best linebacker in the Ivy League thus far and arguably its best player. He is the league-leader in tackles (50), sacks (61/2), tackles for loss (71/2) and forced fumbles (3). Drake also shares the league lead with two interceptions.

"He's having an incredible season, just really incredible," Priore says.

Drake worked over the summer with Logan Circle Partners L.P., an asset management firm. He committed to not missing a workout this summer and studied film like never before. He said he felt too light last season when he played at 220 pounds, so he bulked up to 235 over the summer and then trimmed down to 228.

"I wanted to be stronger than I have ever been, but I didn't want to lose any quickness. I think I achieved that," Drake said.

The Quakers (3-3, 2-1) haven't been .500 this late in the season since they started the 2013 season 4-2. They lost the final four games of that season and went 2-12 from that point to the end of the 2014 campaign.

"It feels like we're turning the corner," Drake said. "Everybody feels like we're heading in the right direction."

jmitchell@philly.com

@JmitchInquirer