NORFOLK, Va., Nov. 1, 2021 – Norfolk State quarterback Juwan Carter was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Football Offensive Player of the Week, presented by Coca-Cola, the conference announced today. Norfolk State linebacker Tyler Long was named Defensive Player of the Week, while Norfolk State running back J.J. Davis was named Rookie of the Week, Norfolk State’s Colby Byrd was named Offensive Lineman of the Week and earning Specialist of the Week honors was Delaware State’s Matt Noll.
Carter (QB, 6-0, 175, r-Sr., Richmond, Va.) threw for a MEAC-best 368 yards against Morgan State, completing 26 of 40 passes (65 percent) and throwing three touchdown passes. Those three scores each went to different players, and Carter found 10 different receivers.
Long (LB, 5-11, 210, r-So., Cincinnati, Ohio) recorded nine tackles (three solo), including 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack, as well as a forced fumble against Morgan State. Those nine tackles were his second-highest total of the season.
Davis (RB, 5-9, 170, r-Fr., Cincinnati, Ohio) had a career-high 235 all-purpose yards against Morgan State. He rushed 16 times for 105 yards and a touchdown, while also catching three passes for 94 yards and a score. Davis also added 36 return yards in bringing back two kickoffs.
Byrd (C, 6-3, 290, r-Jr., Virginia Beach, Va.) recorded four pancake blocks and graded out at 95 percent against Morgan State, helping the Spartans amass 544 yards of total offense without committing a penalty or giving up a sack.
Noll (K/P, 6-0, 200, Fr., Robesonia, Pa.) punted five times for an average of 44.8 yards against Howard, pinning two inside the 20-yard line, and also hitting his lone field goal attempt of the afternoon.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- The Southwestern Athletic Conference has named Texas Southern’s Andrew Body, Southern’s Ray Anderson and Luke Jackson along with Jackson State’s Shedeur Sanders its SWAC Football Players of the Week for their outstanding performances during games played this past week of competition.
Offensive- Body was a dual-threat for the Tigers as he rushed for 121 yards and one touchdown while passing for 271 yards and four touchdowns in TSU’s 59-17 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff. He was responsible for a total of five touchdowns during the game.
Defensive- Anderson had an impressive performance for the Jaguars’ defense leading them with 11 tackles. He also contributed 4.0 tackles for loss (-16 yards), one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery for five yards and a game changing pass break up.
Specialist– Jackson converted one of the biggest field goal attempts of his young career as he connected on a 47-yard game winner to give the Jaguars their first victory over Alcorn State in six tries. Jackson also went perfect on the day going 5-of-5 on extra point attempts.
Newcomer- Sanders passed for 257 yards to go along with three touchdowns to lead Jackson State past Mississippi Valley State this past weekend by a score of 28-19. He went 18-for-31 during the game and currently leads the SWAC with a 68.4 completion percentage.
ATLANTA, Ga. (November 1, 2021) – Eric Phoenix (Benedict) was named Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Football Offensive Player of the Week, while N’Ktavious Floyd (Miles) earned Defensive Player of the Week, released by the league office on Monday.
Rigoberto Tinoco (Benedict) was also tabbed Special Teams Player of the Week alongside, Jamal Holloway (Central State) who earned Newcomer of the Week.
OFFENSIVE – Eric Phoenix, Benedict
Quarterback | 6’3 | Sophomore | Savannah, Ga.
Phoenix completed 27-of-34 passes for 280 yards and 3 TDs against Clark Atlanta in a 24-21 victory. The Savannah, Ga. native had one interception, and was not sacked. On the game-winning drive, he completed 4-of-6 passes and rushed twice for 17 yards.
DEFENSIVE – N’Ktavious Floyd, Miles
Linebacker | 5’11 | Senior | Phenix City, AL
Floyd had 10 tackles (eight solo), two tackles for loss and a sack as Miles defeated Edward Waters.
SPECIAL TEAMS – Rigoberto Tinoco, Benedict
Kicker | 5’8 | Senior | Lyons, Ga.
Tinoco kicked the game-winning 17-yard field goal with no time on the clock as Benedict defeated Clark Atlanta 24-21. He was also perfect on three PAT kicks.
NEWCOMER – Jamal Holloway, Central State
Defensive End | 6’3 | Senior | Camden, NJ
Central State senior Jamal Holloway stood out on the defensive side of the ball last Saturday against the SIAC’s top ranked offense in Lane College. Holloway had 15 tackles, 3 tackles for a loss, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble and a blocked extra point on Saturday. Holloway has 72 total tackles, 18 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles this season.
CIAA FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
For the week ending October 31, 2021
FOOD LION OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE WEEK
#52 Savion Hopes, Virginia Union
(Gr, OL – Detroit, MI)
Hopes led a VUU offensive line that paved the way for 532 yards of total offense that included 234 yards rushing in their 44-14 win over Elizabeth City State. The Panthers didn’t give up a sack, averaged seven yards per play, and registered 28 first downs while also scoring 44 points, a season-high in conference play for VUU.
FOOD LION QUARTERBACK OF THE WEEK
#18 Bryce Witt, Chowan
(Sr, QB – Sutherland, VA)
Witt accounted for all five of Chowan’s touchdowns in their 38-30 win over Virginia State, throwing for four and rushing for another score. The senior from Sutherland, VA threw for 197 yards on 14 completions and rushed for 11 yards. Witt has now accounted for 40 total touchdowns (29 passing, 11 rushing) on the season.
FOOD LION RECEIVER OF THE WEEK
#9 Reggie Bryant, Johnson C. Smith
(Sr, WR – Fayetteville, NC)
Bryant helped lead JCSU to their first win of the season with eight catches for 135 yards and three touchdowns, including a 50-yarder on the game’s opening drive. The Fayetteville, NC native is averaging 86.8 receiving yards per game on the season, second-best in the CIAA, while his 95.3 yards per game in conference play leads all pass catchers.
FOOD LION OFFENSIVE BACK OF THE WEEK
#26 Tyrek McNeil, Chowan
(So, RB – Greensboro, NC)
McNeil totaled 75 rushing yards on 18 carries (4.2 yards per carry) while also catching five passes for 77 yards (15.4 yards per catch) and two scores in Chowan’s 38-30 win over Virginia State. The sophomore from Greensboro, NC had touchdown catches of 22 and four yards.
FOOD LION DEFENSIVE BACK OF THE WEEK
#17 Kevin Sherman, Shaw
(Sr, DB – Powder Springs, GA)
Sherman tied for the team lead with six tackles (five solos), including a tackle for loss, in Shaw’s 38-14 win over Winston-Salem State. The senior defender also intercepted a Cameron Lewis pass, leading to a touchdown on the Bears following offensive possession.
FOOD LION LINEBACKER OF THE WEEK
#22 Joseph Harris, Saint Augustine’s>
(Jr, LB – Jacksonville, FL)
Harris finished with a game-high 13 total tackles (seven solos) that included one and a half tackles for loss in Saint Augustine’s nationally televised matchup against Johnson C. Smith. The junior from Jacksonville, FL ranks among league leaders with 7.3 tackles per game this season (51 total tackles).
FOOD LION DEFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE WEEK
#9 Gilberto Ortiz, Chowan
(Sr, DL – East Dunkirk, NY)
Ortiz finished with a game-high 11 tackles, including three and a half tackles for loss, and a sack in Chowan’s 38-30 win over. The Dunkirk, NY native also recovered a fumble inside the red zone that led to a touchdown by the Hawks offense. Ortiz has registered 18.5 tackles for loss on the season, which ranks third among CIAA leaders.
FOOD LION SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
#47 Alen Omerhodzic, Bowie State
(RS Fr, K/P, – Bowie, MD)
Omerhodzic went a perfect 4-for-4 on extra points in Bowie State’s 31-7 win over Lincoln. The freshman kicker also nailed a 28-yard field goal while totaling six kickoffs for 335 yards with one touchback as the nationally ranked Bulldogs clinched their third straight CIAA Northern Division title.
FOOD LION ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
#7 Jada Byers, Virginia Union
(Fr, RB – Hammonton, NJ)
Byers rushed for 99 yards on 20 carries and scored three touchdowns, all in the first half, in Virginia Union’s 44-14 win over Elizabeth City State. The running back from Hammonton, NJ also caught two passes for 29 yards and returned two kickoffs for 31 yards. He leads all CIAA freshmen with 798 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground, totals the rank top three or better in the conference this season.
NORFOLK, Va., Oct. 25, 2021 – North Carolina Central quarterback Davius Richard was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Football Offensive Player of the Week, presented by Coca-Cola, the conference announced today. North Carolina Central linebacker Noah Rainbow-Douglas was named Defensive Player of the Week, while Norfolk State defensive back Christian Ruffin was named Rookie of the Week, Norfolk State’s Jalen Powell was named Offensive Lineman of the Week and sharing Specialist of the Week honors were Norfolk State’s Stuart Anderson and Howard’s Ian Wheeler.
Richard (QB, 6-3, 200, So., Belle Glade, Fla.) threw four touchdown passes in the Eagles’ 27-14 win over Morgan State on Saturday, while completing 16 of his 20 passes for 242 yards (including a 9-for-10 effort in the second half, hitting on three scores). He also ran seven times for 49 yards.
Rainbow-Douglas (LB, 6-0, 215, r-Sr., Philadelphia, Pa.) notched 10 tackles, all solo, including two for a loss and a sack against Morgan State. He also recorded a pass breakup.
Ruffin (DB, 5-11, 175, Fr., Raleigh, N.C.) returned a blocked punt for a touchdown in the third quarter against Howard to extend the Spartans’ lead to 28-3, while also recording a pair of tackles on defense and special teams.
Powell (OL, 6-3, 280, r-Sr., Temple Hills, Md.) graded out at 97 percent against Howard, recording five pancake blocks without committing a penalty or giving up a sack as the Spartans racked up 536 yards of total offense.
Anderson (DB, 6-3, 210, r-Jr., Mathews, Va.) blocked a third-quarter Howard punt that was recovered and returned for a touchdown, while also racking up eight tackles between his time on defense and special teams.
Wheeler (RB, 5-10, 185, Jr., Houston, Texas) had a 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter against Norfolk State, on top of his rushing effort: 89 yards on nine carries and a score.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- The Southwestern Athletic Conference has named Jackson State’s Malachi Wideman and Shedeur Sanders along with Florida A&M’s Isaiah Land and Jah’Marae Sheread its SWAC Football Players of the Week for their outstanding performances during games played this past week of competition.
Offensive- Wideman had a spectacular performance during the Tigers’42-12 win over Bethune-Cookman. He finished with a career-high 169 yards on nine receptions to go along with four receiving touchdowns.
Defensive- Land had another dominating performance in the backfield during Florida A&M’s win at Mississippi Valley State. He recorded six tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. Land currently leads the nation in sacks and tackles for loss.
Specialist– Sheread had one of the best games by any player in the nation recording 229 all-purpose yards (19th most in single-game in FCS) and four touchdowns (tied for second most in single-game in FCS) during the Rattlers’ 31-28 win at Mississippi Valley State. Sheread had 88 yards on eight receptions for three touchdowns and also contributed five punt returns for 154 yards including a 59-yard touchdown return.
Newcomer- Sanders passed for 309 yards to go along with four touchdowns and also rushed for a touchdown to lead Jackson State past Bethune-Cookman this past weekend by a score of 42-12. He was an efficient 18-for-25 during the game and currently leads the SWAC with a 69.9 completion percentage.
ATLANTA, Ga. (October 25, 2021) – Claude Newell III (Miles) was named Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Football Offensive Player of the Week, while Mackenzie Howard (Lane) earned Defensive Player of the Week, released by the league office on Monday.
Gabriel Ballinas (Albany State) was also tabbed Special Teams Player of the Week alongside, Ike Brown (Lane) who earned Newcomer of the Week.
OFFENSIVE – Claude Newell III, Miles
Quarterback | 6’4 | Junior | Birmingham, AL
After missing most of the last two games because of injury, Newell came back and completed 15-of-24 passes for a career-high 280 yards and a touchdown in Miles’ 28-21 win over Kentucky State.
DEFENSIVE – Mackenzie Howard, Lane
Linebacker | 5’10 | Sophomore | Harvest, AL
Howard finished with six tackles (five solo) including 1.0 tackle for loss while also intercepting a pass and recovering a fumble in the second half to help ice the game and give Lane their first ever win over Tuskegee.
SPECIAL TEAMS – Gabriel Ballinas, Albany State
Kicker/Punter | Senior | Guadalupe, Mexico
ASU placekicker Gabriel Ballinas was perfect from the field, hitting on field goals of 37, 40 and 23 yards. He also averaged 35.5 yards on four punts.
NEWCOMER – Ike Brown, Lane
Running Back | 5’10 | Freshman | Shreveport, LA
Brown rushed for 145 yards on 25 carries (5.8 avg.) and two touchdowns as the Dragons defeated Tuskegee for the first time in school history. Brown scored twice with the score tied in the second half, once from 42 yards out and another punch in from 2 yards away.
CIAA FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
For the week ending October 24, 2021
FOOD LION QUARTERBACK OF THE WEEK
#18 Bryce Witt, Chowa
(Sr, QB – Sutherland, VA)
Witt completed 26 of 35 passes for program-record 474 yards and rushed for 38 yards against Elizabeth City State. The senior signal caller also threw four touchdowns, increasing his total to a CIAA-best 25 passing touchdowns on the season.
FOOD LION OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE WEEK
#53 Quinton Bobo, Bowie State
(Jr, OL – White Plains, MD)
Bobo and the BSU offensive line paved the way for 394 yards of total offense, including 282 yards on the ground. The Bulldog offense scored 27 points, averaged nearly six yards per play, and registered 20 first downs in their win against Virginia Union, their 18th consecutive conference win dating back to 2018.
FOOD LION RECEIVER OF THE WEEK
#1 Imeek Watkins, Chowan
(Sr, WR – Wilmington, NC)
Watkins caught 11 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns against Elizabeth City State, averaging 15.7 yards per catch. The senior from Wilmington, NC is tied for the league lead with eight receiving touchdowns on the season.
FOOD LION OFFENSIVE BACK OF THE WEEK
#6 Calil Wilkins, Bowie State
(Sr, RB – Temple Hills, MD)
Wilkins carried 19 times for a season-high 134 yards and a touchdown. The Temple Hills, MD native also caught three passes for 29 yards, including a five-yard touchdown pass from Ja’rome Johnson, in #14 Bowie State’s 27-7 win over Virginia Union.
FOOD LION DEFENSIVE BACK OF THE WEEK
#10 Kymon Pope, Virginia State
(Fr, DB – Dinwiddie, VA)
Pope registered 11 total tackles, including nine solo stops, and two sacks in Virginia State’s 23-3 win over Lincoln (PA). The freshman from Dinwiddie, VA also recorded an interception, returning it for 15 yards, and helped the VSU defense hold the Lions to just 177 yards of total offense.
FOOD LION LINEBACKER OF THE WEEK
#34 Devon Hunt, Shaw
(Sr, LB – Hamlet, NC)
Hunt tallied a game-high 10 total tackles (seven solos) that included two tackles for loss in Shaw’s 20-14 win over Johnson C. Smith. The senior from Hamlet, NC leads the CIAA with 70 total tackles on the season, averaging nearly nine stops per game.
FOOD LION DEFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE WEEK
#8 Keyshawn James, Fayetteville State
(Gr, DL – Cayce, SC)
James earns his second straight weekly honor after finishing with a game-high 11 tackles, including three tackles for loss, and two sacks. The Cayce, SC native also forced two fumbles in the Broncos 40-12 win over Saint Augustine’s
FOOD LION SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
#23 Zion Riddick, Elizabeth City State
(Jr, KR/WR – Ahoskie, NC)
Riddick totaled 215 all-purpose yards for Elizabeth City State, including 131 kickoff return yards. The Ahoskie, NC native also caught two critical touchdowns, finishing with 84 receiving yards, and set up ECSU’s first touchdown of the game with an 80-yard return on the opening kickoff in their 32-28 win over Chowan. Riddick leads the CIAA with 633 kickoff return yards on the season.
FOOD LION ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
#17 DeAndre Proctor, Saint Augustine’s
(Fr, QB/WR – Elizabeth City, NC)
In his first collegiate start at quarterback, Proctor threw for 167 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 64 yards on 12 attempts and another score. The Elizabeth City, NC native also saw action at wide receiver, his primary position most of the season, and caught one pass for 12 yards.
NORFOLK, Va., Oct. 18, 2021 – South Carolina State quarterback Corey Fields, Jr. was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Football Offensive Player of the Week, presented by Coca-Cola, the conference announced today. South Carolina State defensive lineman Patrick Godbolt was named Defensive Player of the Week, while Norfolk State’s Colby Byrd was named Offensive Lineman of the Week and picking up Specialist of the Week honors was South Carolina State’s Zafir Kelly.
Fields (QB, 6-0, 185, r-So., Summerville, S.C.) threw for 258 yards and three touchdowns in the Bulldogs’ 37-14 Homecoming win over Morgan State this past Saturday – including a 54-yard strike to Shaquan Davis in the second quarter. Fields also rushed six times for 26 yards.
Godbolt (DL, 6-3, 235, So., Blythewood, S.C.) racked up three tackles for loss and two quarterback hurries against Morgan State, while also forcing and recovering a fumble. In addition, he blocked a Morgan State field goal in the second quarter that turned into a 90-yard return touchdown.
Byrd (OL, 6-3, 290, r-Jr., Virginia Beach, Va.) graded out at 94 percent against Virginia University of Lynchburg, recording four pancake blocks without committing a penalty or giving up a sack as the Spartans racked up 400 yards of total offense.
Kelly (DB, 6-1, 170, Sr., Columbia, S.C.) returned a blocked field goal 90 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter of the Bulldogs’ win over Morgan State.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- The Southwestern Athletic Conference has named Southern’s Kobe Dillon, Chase Foster, and Luke Jackson along with Jackson State’s Keith Corbin III its SWAC Football Players of the Week for their outstanding performances during games played this past week of competition.
Offensive- Dillon broke the Southern University single game rushing record on Saturday with 14 carries for 267 yards and three touchdowns. Dillon’s longest run of the day came during the opening drive of the third quarter when he burst up the middle for a 75-yard touchdown.
Defensive- Foster led the Jaguars defense with three interceptions for 36 yards and four tackles. His performance also broke Southern’s single game interception record.
Specialist– Jackson went perfect on the day successfully converting 44 and 25 yard field goals along with going perfect on extra point attempts.
Newcomer- Corbin finished with 113 yards and one touchdown during a 28-7 Jackson State win over Alabama State on Saturday.
ATLANTA, Ga. (October 18, 2021) – Michael Sims (Morehouse) was named Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Football Offensive Player of the Week, while Mackenly Newbill (Savannah State) earned Defensive Player of the Week, released by the league office on Monday.
Jackson Spradlin (Miles) was also tabbed Special Teams Player of the Week alongside, Louis Williams (Tuskegee) who earned Newcomer of the Week.
OFFENSIVE – Michael Sims, Morehouse
Quarterback | 6’3 | Senior | Detroit, MI
Sims led the Maroon Tigers to a blowout victory of Eastern division foe, Fort Valley State, 51-3. He finished 11-of-20 passing for 225 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 33 yards and another touchdown in the victory.
DEFENSIVE – Mackenly Newbill, Savannah State
Defensive End | 6’2 | Junior | Tallahassee, FL
Newbill again led the Savannah State defense as they held Clark Atlanta to two touchdowns en-route to a 46-14 win. Newbill registered five tackles, 3 for a loss, and 1.5 sacks.
SPECIAL TEAMS – Jackson Spradlin, Miles
Kicker | 5’9 | Junior | Dora, AL
Spradlin scored 10 points in Miles’ 34-31 win at Lane. He was 4-of-4 on extra points and 2-of-2 on field goal attempts (50, 33). The 50-yard field goal was a career long for the Alabama native.
NEWCOMER – Louis Williams, Tuskegee
Quarterback | 6’4 | Sophomore | Norcross, Ga.
Williams had nearly as many rushing yards as he did through the air, tossing six completions for 72 yards (12 yards per completion) while running for a season-high 70, including a long of 28 to average seven yards per attempt over ten totes.
CIAA FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
For the week ending October 17, 2021
FOOD LION OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE WEEK
#58 Justin Meade, Virginia Union
(So, OL – Richmond, VA)
Meade anchored an VUU offensive line that gave up no sacks against the league’s top pass rushing unit and helped the Panthers put up 562 yards of total offense, including 363 rushing yards, and 38 points in their win over Chowan. The VUU running game produced two rushers that put up 125+ yards each on the ground and while the offense averaged eight yards per play as a unit and registered 27 first downs.
FOOD LION QUARTERBACK OF THE WEEK
#7 Ja’rome Johnson, Bowie State
(Sr, QB – Washington, DC)
Johnson accounted for five total touchdowns (three passing, two rushing) while completing 14 of 26 passes for 246 yards. The senior from Washington, DC also rushed for 51 yards while leading #16 Bowie State to a 44-38 win over Virginia State in a nationally televised game on AspireTV.
FOOD LION RECEIVER OF THE WEEK
#85 Antjuan Collins, Winston-Salem State
(Fr, WR – Charlotte, NC)
Collins caught seven balls for 50 yards and two touchdowns in the Rams 41-0 win over Saint Augustine’s. The Charlotte, NC native ranks top seven or better among league leaders in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns on the season.
FOOD LION OFFENSIVE BACK OF THE WEEK
#7 Jada Byers, Virginia Union
(Fr, RB – Hammonton, NJ)
Byers ran for a career-high 233 yards on 33 carries with two touchdowns in the Panthers 38-31 win over Chowan. The freshman from Hammonton, NJ now has two 200-yard performances this season and leads the CIAA with 654 rushing yards through seven weeks, averaging just over 93 rushing yards per game.
FOOD LION DEFENSIVE BACK OF THE WEEK
#25 Elijah Banks, Winston-Salem State
(Sr, DB – Winston-Salem, NC)
Banks recorded three interceptions to help the WSSU defense pitch a shutout in their 41-0 win over Saint Augustine’s. The senior from Winston-Salem, NC also tallied three total tackles, a pass breakup, and recovered a fumble as WSSU gave up less than 250 yards of total offense, allowing just 152 yards through the air.
FOOD LION LINEBACKER OF THE WEEK
#8 Devon Cathcart, Lincoln (PA)
(Jr, LB – Chicago, IL)
Cathcart led the Lincoln defense with eight total tackles, including an assisted tackle for loss, and a pass breakup. Cathcart and the Lions gave up just 176 yards of total offense, and only 23 yards rushing, in their 17-14 win over Elizabeth City State, earning their first victory since 2018.
FOOD LION DEFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE WEEK
#8 Keyshawn James, Fayetteville State
(Gr, DL – Cayce, SC)
James led the FSU defense with six total tackles, including four and a half tackles for loss, and two sacks in their 55-12 homecoming win over Johnson C. Smith. The Cayce, SC native is second in the league in both tackles for loss and sacks with 14 and seven and a half, respectively, on the season.
FOOD LION SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
#1 Imeek Watkins, Chowan
(Sr, KR/WR – Wilmington, NC)
Watkins recorded a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to break a Chowan school record. The senior playmaker totaled four kickoff returns for 174 yards for the game and also caught seven passes for 87 yards.
FOOD LION ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
#7 Jada Byers, Virginia Union
(Fr, RB – Hammonton, NJ)
Byers helped Virginia Union rush for 363 yards as a team with a career-high 233 yards on 33 carries and two touchdowns. The Hammonton, NJ native put up 245 all-purpose yards for the game that included a 12-yard kickoff return as the Panthers secured a 38-31 road win over Chowan.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- The Southwestern Athletic Conference has named Texas Southern’s Andrew Body, Florida A&M’s Isaiah Land and Jose Romo-Martinez, along with Jackson State’s Shedeur Sanders its SWAC Football Players of the Week for their outstanding performances during games played this past week of competition.
Offensive- Body was 28-of-35 for 338 yards and rushed for 85 yards on 13 attempts. He set up the game-winning touchdown with a 21-yard run on TSU’s final drive as the Tigers beat Southern 35-31 for the first time since 2010 and only second time since 1996.
Defensive- Land made Rattler history in a dominating performance, in which he recorded five sacks (second most in a single-game in FCS this season). His five sacks during the contest has him currently ranked as the nation’s leader in sacks with 2 sacks per game.
Specialist– Romo-Martinez went 3-4 on the day including a 51-yard field goal during Florida A&M’s 30-7 win over South Carolina State. He also dominated in the punt game as he placed the Bulldogs inside their own 20 three times. Romo-Martinez went 3-of-3 in point after touchdowns and he also added five touchbacks on seven kickoffs.
Newcomer- Sanders propelled Jackson State to a 61-15 victory over Alabama A&M on Saturday. The freshman passed for 249 yards and four touchdowns. He also added a 29-yard touchdown rush to account for a total of five touchdowns during the contest.
NORFOLK, Va., Oct. 11, 2021 – Howard University quarterback Quinton Williams was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Football Offensive Player of the Week, presented by Coca-Cola, the conference announced today. Delaware State defensive back Jawain Granger was named Defensive Player of the Week, while Delaware State running back Sy’Veon Wilkerson was named Rookie of the Week and picking up Specialist of the Week honors was Howard’s Faraji Woodson.
Williams (QB, 6-4, 183, Jr., Upper Marlboro, Md.) recorded his second 300-yard game of the season in leading the Bison to a 27-0 win over Morgan State in their MEAC opener. He was 19-for-32 for 337 yards and two touchdowns – including a program-record 97-yard bomb to Antoine Murray in the third quarter.
Granger (DB, 5-9, 180, r-Jr, New Castle, Del.) was all over the field in the Hornets’ win over Virginia University of Lynchburg, racking up four tackles (all solo), an interception, two sacks and a forced fumble.
Wilkerson (RB, 5-9, 205, Fr., Elkridge, Md.) topped the 100-yard rushing mark for the second week in a row, racking up 101 yards and two touchdowns in a blowout win over Virginia University of Lynchburg. The MEAC’s leading rusher averaged 7.2 yards per carry.
Woodson (K, 6-1, 175, Sr., Greensboro, N.C.) connected on two field goals (of 35 and 36 yards) and was a perfect 3-for-3 on PATs to account for nine points in the Bison’s shutout win over Morgan State.
Other Top Performers
Ray Williams (Howard) had six tackles in a shutout win over Morgan State.
Davius Richard (North Carolina Central) completed 32 passes for 313 yards and two touchdowns against Tennessee Tech, just one completion shy of the program single-game record.
Devin Smith (North Carolina Central) had five catches for 29 yards, including a 9-yard touchdown, against Tennessee Tech.
ATLANTA, Ga. (October 11, 2021) – Elijah Odom (Clark Atlanta) was named Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Football Offensive Player of the Week, while Stephan Pierre (Albany State) earned Defensive Player of the Week, released by the league office on Monday.
Ryan Duff (Tuskegee) was also tabbed Special Teams Player of the Week alongside, Zavien Foster (Benedict) who earned Newcomer of the Week.
OFFENSIVE – Elijah Odom, Clark Atlanta
Quarterback | 6’2 | Junior | Newport News, VA
Clark Atlanta quarterback Elijah Odom accounted for 252 yards of total offense and two touchdowns in CAU’s 21-12 victory over Allen on Saturday, Oct. 9. Odom, a junior from Newport News, Va., completed 18-of-31 passes for 207 and two touchdowns and rushed nine times for 45 yards in the victory.
DEFENSIVE – Stephan Pierre, Albany State
Linebacker | Redshirt Sophomore | Tallahassee, FL
Stephan Pierre continued to dominate on the defensive side. He tallied 13 tackles in the homecoming shutout of Edward Waters University. Pierre collected 13 total tackles in the game including one tackle-for-loss.
SPECIAL TEAMS – Ryan Duff, Tuskegee
Punter | 6’0 | Sophomore | Mobile, AL
Duff set new career-highs in a multitude of categories including total punts (7) and punt yards (278) plus a season-long 48-yard kick. He added two punts that were downed inside the Morehouse red zone, giving him six punts inside the 20 over his past two games.
NEWCOMER – Zavien Foster, Benedict
Quarterback | 5’11 | Freshman | Spartanburg, S.C.
In first collegiate action, true freshman Zavien Foster started for the Tigers and led them to a 24-21 victory over two-time defending SIAC champion Miles. Foster completed 13-of-27 passes for 157 yards, with 1 TD and 1 Int. He also led the Tigers in rushing with 90 yards on 15 carries with 1 rushing TD. Completed 3-of-5 passes for 44 yards and rushed twice for 21 yards on final 13-play, 74-yard drive that resulted in winning TD with 19 seconds remaining.
CIAA FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
For the week ending October 10, 2021
FOOD LION OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE WEEK
#79 Zachary Wilcox, Virginia State
(Sr, OL – Goldsboro, NC)
Wilcox helped the VSU offense put up 459 yards of total offense, including 174 yards on the ground, and a season-high 35 points in their win over Elizabeth City State. The Trojans averaged 6.7 yards per play on offense while totaling 22 first downs.
FOOD LION QUARTERBACK OF THE WEEK
#3 Cameron Lewis, Winston-Salem State
(Jr, QB – Atlanta, GA)
Lewis completed 13 of 24 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns, including a 30-yarder to Antjuan Collins. The junior from Atlanta, GA also ran for 40 yards and a score in WSSU’s 26-12 win over Johnson C. Smith.
FOOD LION RECEIVER OF THE WEEK
#17 Charles Hall, Virginia Union
(Jr, WR – Trenton, NJ)
Hall caught five passes for 112 yards with two touchdowns in VUU’s 32-0 win over Lincoln (PA). It was the Trenton, NJ native’s third game over 100 yards receiving this season, averaging a league-best 97.4 yards per game.
FOOD LION OFFENSIVE BACK OF THE WEEK
#26 Tecorey Tutson, Livingstone
(Sr, RB – Coral Gables, FL)
Tutson had a game-high 76 rushing yards on 19 carries and a touchdown while also leading the team with 34 yards receiving and another score to help Livingstone to a 21-7 win over Saint Augustine’s.
FOOD LION DEFENSIVE BACK OF THE WEEK
#4 Jordan Carter, Bowie State
(So, DB – Bryans Road, MD)
Carter led the Bowie State secondary with seven total tackles, including six solos. The sophomore defensive back helped the Bulldog defense hold #24 Chowan, one of the top offenses in the country, to just 69 yards passing as they defeated the Hawks, 14-3.
FOOD LION LINEBACKER OF THE WEEK
#35 Wesley Bowers, Bowie State
(Gr, LB – Fort Washington, MD)
Bowers totaled nine tackles, including six solos and a tackle for loss, in Bowie State’s 14-3 win over #24 Chowan. The Fort Washington, MD native also registered two quarterback hurries as the BSU defense held the Hawks to a season-low 167 yards of total offense.
FOOD LION DEFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE WEEK
#10 Jonathan Ross, Bowie State
(So, DL – Waldorf, MD)
Ross was a dominant for Bowie State as he totaled a team-high nine tackles, including seven solos, with five and a half tackles for loss that included a sack in their 14-3 win over #24 Chowan. The redshirt sophomore tallied a forced fumble and four quarterback hurries as the BSU defense held the high-powered Hawks offense to a season-low 167 yards of total offense and just three points.
FOOD LION SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
#40 Elton Andrew, Fayetteville State
(Jr, K/P – Salemburg, NC)
Andrew earns his second straight weekly honors after nailing a game-winning 43-yard field goal in FSU’s 15-12 win over division rival Shaw. The Salemburg, NC native also stepped in to handle punting duties for the injured Jacob Young and totaled four punts for 161 yards with one inside the 20, averaging 40.2 yards per punt. Andrew also averaged over 60 yards on four kickoffs with one touchback.
FOOD LION ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
#85 Antjuan Collins, Winston-Salem State
(Fr, WR – Charlotte, NC)
Collins helped WSSU to a 26-12 win after catching seven passes for a game-high 126 yards and a touchdown, averaging 18 yards per catch for the game. The Charlotte, NC native ranks among the conference leaders in both yards per game and catches per game.
NORFOLK, Va., Oct. 4, 2021 – Norfolk State quarterback Juwan Carter was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Football Offensive Player of the Week, presented by Coca-Cola, the conference announced today. Norfolk State defensive back Justin Toler and Howard defensive lineman Darren Brokenburr were named Co-Defensive Players of the Week and Delaware State running back Sy’Veon WIlkerson was named Rookie of the Week. Norfolk State’s Justin Redd was named Offensive Lineman of the Week, and picking up Specialist of the Week honors was Delaware State’s Kwannah Kollie.
Carter ( QB, 6-0, 175, r-Sr., Richmond, Va.) accounted for five touchdowns in the Spartans’ overtime win at Hampton this past Saturday, rushing for three and throwing two more. He threw for 294 yards, and one of his touchdown passes was a 70-yarder to Justin Smith, and he also rushed for a career-high 92 yards to account for 386 yards of total offense.
Toler (DB, 5-10, 165, r-So., Falmouth, Va.) recorded the first two interceptions of his career against Hampton, leading to 10 points for the Spartans. He totaled 68 return yards, including a 47-yarder in the second quarter that set up a Norfolk State touchdown.
Brokenburr (DL, 6-3, 260, Jr., Manassas, Va.) racked up seven tackles (six solo) against Sacred Heart, including 2.5 of the Bison’s three sacks as they picked up their first win of the season.
Wilkerson (RB, 5-9, 205, Fr., Elkridge, Md.) rushed for a career-high 169 yards and a touchdown in the Hornets’ 33-27 double-overtime victory at Wagner. He had a career-high 40 carries, and he had a season-long run of 28 yards in the contest.
Redd (OL, 6-5, 315, r-Jr., Hampton, Va.) graded out at 96 percent against Hampton, racking up six pancake blocks without committing a penalty or giving up a sack. The Spartans had 496 yards of total offense and 202 yards on the ground.
Kollie (WR, 6-0, 200, Sr., Staten Island, N.Y.) averaged 37.8 yards on four kickoff returns against Wagner, including a season-best 72-yarder that set up the Hornets’ first touchdown of the game.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- The Southwestern Athletic Conference has named Grambling State’s Noah Bodden, Cameron Richardson, and Garrett Urban its SWAC Football Players of the Week for their outstanding performances during games played this past week of competition.
Offensive/Newcomer- Bodden made his first career start at quarterback on Saturday as he helped lift Grambling State to a 37-28 home win over Alabama A&M. He went 16-of-34 in passing while throwing for 191 yards with three touchdowns. His 60-yard touchdown pass to Kobe Ross gave GSU a 31-14 lead late in the third quarter.
Defensive- Richardson played a significant part in helping lead Grambling State past Alabama A&M on Saturday. His fumble recovery for the scoop and score capped a 24-point second quarter for the Tigers. Richardson’s interception late in the game helped set up Garret Urban’s successful field goal attempt which subsequently sealed the game for the Tigers.
Specialist– Urban connected on three field goals attempts of 27, 27 and 39 yards in helping lead Grambling State to a win over Alabama A&M this past weekend. His 27-yard field with 43 seconds remaining sealed the game against the Bulldogs. In addition, Urban went 4-for-4 on extra point attempts tallying a total of 13 points in the game.
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FOOD LION OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE WEEK
#69 Dallas Capporletti, Chowan
Capporletti helped the Chowan offense amass 627 yards of total offense, including 423 yards passing, and put up a season-high 73 points in the Hawks win over Winston-Salem State. The CU offense averaged 7.6 yards per play, registered 38 first downs, and scored on their first 10 possessions of the game. |
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FOOD LION QUARTERBACK OF THE WEEK
#18 Bryce Witt, Chowan
Witt continued his strong senior campaign as he completed 36 of 43 passes for 423 yards with five touchdowns and rushed for 48 yards and three more scores in the Hawks 73-7 victory over Winston-Salem State to earn his third straight weekly honor this season. The Sutherland, VA native has thrown for 20 touchdowns and rushed for eight touchdowns, totals that rank second and seventh in Division II respectively. Witt is also eighth in the nation with 1573 passing yards and leads the top scoring offense in Division II at 51.4 points per game. |
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FOOD LION RECEIVER OF THE WEEK
#87 Malik Tobias, Chowan
Tobias set three career-highs with six catches for 96 yards and three touchdowns in Chowan’s 73-7 win over Winston-Salem State. A native of Concord, NC, Tobias had scoring plays of 39, 12, and six yards while averaging 16 yards per catch. |
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FOOD LION OFFENSIVE BACK OF THE WEEK
#6 Calil Wilkins, Bowie State
Wilkins ran for a game-high 120 yards on 13 carries that included a 47-yard touchdown run in #20 Bowie State’s 44-7 win over Johnson C. Smith. The senior from Temple Hills, MD averaged 9.2 yards per carry and accounted for over 64 percent of the Bulldogs’ 187 total rushing yards. |
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FOOD LION DEFENSIVE BACK OF THE WEEK
#1 Taeyonn Reynolds, Elizabeth City State
Reynolds intercepted two passes, including one on the final drive of the game to clinch a 19-13 win for the Vikings. The Virginia Beach, VA native also tallied a team-best eight tackles that included seven solo stops and one tackle for loss while also recording a pass break up and a quarterback hurry. Reynolds currently leads the CIAA with four interceptions on the season. |
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FOOD LION LINEBACKER OF THE WEEK
#34 Devon Hunt, Shaw
Hunt recorded seven solo tackles that included three tackles for loss and a sack in Shaw’s 27-7 win over Virginia Union. The senior from Hamlet, NC helped lead a Bears defense that held VUU to just 166 yards of total offense, including 41 yards on the ground. |
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FOOD LION DEFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE WEEK
#57 Kolby Hunter, Virginia State
Hunter recorded a team-high seven total tackles, including two tackles for loss, and a sack in Virginia State’s 33-9 victory over Saint Augustine’s. Hunter and the Trojan defense held SAU to just 78 yards rushing for the game to help secure their first win of the season. |
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FOOD LION SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
#40 Elton Andrew, Fayetteville State
Andrew was a perfect 4-for-4 on field goal attempts to help lead Fayetteville State to a 46-9 win over Lincoln. The junior kicker had successful kicks of 22, 45, 36, and 40 yards, contributing to the highest point total on kicks in a game this season by a CIAA team, while also averaging over 60 yards on 10 kickoffs. |
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FOOD LION ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
#87 Malik Tobias, Chowan
Tobias was a favorite target of quarterback Bryce Witt as he posted career-highs with six catches for 96 yards and three touchdowns in the Hawks 73-7 win over Winston-Salem State. The first-year wideout had touchdown catches of 39, 12, and six yards and now has four scores on the season. |
ATLANTA, Ga. (October 4, 2021) – Kamran Ward (Albany State) was named Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Football Offensive Player of the Week, while Stephan Pierre (Albany State) earned Defensive Player of the Week, released by the league office on Monday.
Ryan Duff (Tuskegee) was also tabbed Special Teams Player of the Week alongside, Brendan Jackson (Savannah State) who earned Newcomer of the Week.
OFFENSIVE – Kamran Ward, Albany State
Running Back | 5’9 | Freshman | Oscilla, Ga.
Ward led the Golden Rams to a big SIAC win against the Miles Golden Bears in Fairfield, AL. Albany State would win 31-3 on the backs of Wards 112 yards on 13 carries. ASU took control of the game with a solid running attack that allowed them to manage the clock and come away with a road win.
DEFENSIVE – Stephan Pierre, Albany State
Linebacker | Redshirt Sophomore | Tallahassee, FL
Stephan Pierre led a stingy Albany State defense and earned the defensive award for his second consecutive week. The Florida native only allowed three points from the defending SIAC champion, Miles Golden Bears. Pierre accumulated a disruptive 12 tackles, with 11 of them being solo tackles. He also had one tackle for loss. The defense held Miles to just 200 yards of total offense.
SPECIAL TEAMS – Ryan Duff, Tuskegee
Punter | 6’0 | Sophomore | Mobile, Ala.
Duff had a valid argument for Tuskegee’s Game MVP, drilling four punts that landed inside the Panther 20-yard line (doubling his previous career-best) including two that went out of bounds inside the 5. He constantly flipped the field to give the offense time to find its footing, especially in the first half.
NEWCOMER – Brendan Jackson, Savannah State
Linebacker | 6’2 | Freshman | Statesboro, Ga.
In his freshman year, Jackson is having a breakout season. The Statesboro, Ga. native had seven tackles, one sack, one tackle for a loss, and a forced fumble in a win against Kentucky State this past week. He leads the team this season in tackles with 21.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Southwestern Athletic Conference has named Alcorn State’s Felix Harper and Keyron Kinsler along with Texas Southern’s Richard Garcia III and Andrew Body its SWAC Football Players of the Week for their outstanding performances during games played this past week of competition.
Offensive – Alcorn State’s Harper completed 16-of-32 pass attempts for 368 yards and three touchdowns this past week. His performance helped the Braves rally from a 19-point second half deficit to defeat Arkansas-Pine Bluff on the road by a score of 39-38. He also ran for an 11-yard touchdown capping off a seven play 94-yard touchdown drive in the third quarter.
Defensive – Alcorn State’s Kinsler contributed a game high 12 tackles, including eight solo tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss during the Braves 39-38 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff. He made his presence felt in the turnover column as well tallying one forced fumble along with one fumble recovery.
Specialist – Texas Southern’s Garcia went 3-of-3 on extra point attempts while also connecting on field goal attempts of 45 and 25 yards. He contributed a total of nine-points during Texas Southern’s non-conference road outing at Rice.
Newcomer – Texas Southern’s Body passed for 353 yards going 19-of-35 during his first career start on Saturday at Rice. He would lead all TSU rushers with 62 yards on 16 carries while also contributing two rushing touchdowns.
NORFOLK, Va. – Sept. 27, 2021 – North Carolina Central wide receiver Ryan McDaniel was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Football Offensive Player of the Week, presented by Coca-Cola, the conference announced today. Howard defensive back Aaron Walker was named Defensive Player of the Week and Norfolk State running back J.J. Davis was named Rookie of the Week. Norfolk State’s Justin Redd was named Offensive Lineman of the Week, and picking up Specialist of the Week honors was North Carolina Central’s Adrian Olivo.
McDaniel (WR, 6-2, 215, Sr., Sugar Land, Texas) racked up a career-high 178 receiving yards on nine catches against North Carolina A&T State, including a 77-yard touchdown. His 178 receiving yards are the most for an Eagle in a single game since 2017.
Walker (DB, 5-10, 190, Sr., Washington, D.C.) set a new season high in tackles at Robert Morris with eight, including seven solo stops.
Davis (RB, 5-9, 179, r-Fr., Cincinnati, Ohio) rushed 14 times for 93 yards in the Spartans’ 28-16 comeback win over Saint Francis, while also recording 23 receiving yards and 34 kickoff return yards for 150 all-purpose yards.
Redd (OL, 6-5, 315, r-Jr., Hampton, Va.) graded out at 98 percent against Saint Francis, racking up nine pancake blocks without giving up a sack or committing a penalty. He helped the Spartans rush for 323 yards and amass 422 yards of total offense.
Olivo (K, 5-10, 160, So., Plant City, Fla.) hit field goals of 30 and 39 yards against North Carolina A&T State to remain perfect (6-for-6) on the season.
ATLANTA, Ga. (September 27, 2021) – Michael Huntley (Lane) was named Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Football Offensive Player of the Week, while Stephan Pierre (Albany State) earned Defensive Player of the Week, released by the league office on Monday.
Tyler Moore (Fort Valley State) was also tabbed Special Teams Player of the Week alongside teammate, Emmanuel Wilson (Fort Valley State) who earned Newcomer of the Week.
OFFENSIVE – Michael Huntley, Lane
Quarterback | 5’11 | Senior | Montgomery, AL
Huntley was 14-of-21 for 325 yards and three touchdowns including an 83-yard strike to O’Joshua Bunton on 3rd and 13 in the fourth quarter to ice the game to lead the Dragons to a 45-35 win over Edward Waters.
DEFENSIVE – Stephan Pierre, Albany State
Linebacker | Redshirt Sophomore | Tallahassee, FL
Stephan Pierre led the Golden Rams defense to a shutout of the CAU Panthers. HE garnered 9 solo tackles in the game in leading the ASU defense. Pierre disrupted every drive the Panthers tried to generate, helping the Golden Rams to a big SIAC win.
SPECIAL TEAMS – Tyler Moore, Fort Valley State
Defensive Back | 6’1 | Junior | Ashburn, Ga.
With the one-score lead of 26-20, Allen punted from its own 13-yd line where Moore rushed in off the right side of the line and blocked the punt, which teammate Keon Bogan scooped for the TD in the endzone with 6:44 in 3Q. The blocked punt changed the momentum to put up FVSU by two scores, before the defense forced another turnover on the next Allen possession. Moore also led the defense with 11 tackles and two pass breakups.
NEWCOMER – Emmanuel Wilson, Fort Valley State
Running Back | 6’1 | Freshman | Charlotte, NC
In his first action of the season, transfer Wilson rushed 11 times for an average of 7.5 yards per carry and 83 yards and 2 TDs. He put FVSU ahead for good with a 32-yd TD run with 8:40 left in the 2Q. He added a 1-yd TD in the 3rd Q (41-20) and ran in for a second half 2-point conversion.
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE WEEK
#66 Bryson Gibson, Chowan
(Jr, OL – Wilson, NC)
Gibson led an offensive line that helped Chowan put 550 yards of total offense, including 310 yards rushing, in their win over Saint Augustine’s. The Hawks offense scored a season-high 59 points, most in the CIAA this season, and averaged 7.1 yards per play.
QUARTERBACK OF THE WEEK
#18 Bryce Witt, Chowan
(Sr, QB – Sutherland, VA)
Witt earns his second straight weekly honor after accounting for eight touchdowns (four passing, four rushing) in Chowan’s 59-12 win over Saint Augustine’s. The junior signal caller completed 24 of 34 passes for 240 yards while also rushing for 29 yards. Witt has a CIAA-best 20 total touchdowns (15 passing, five rushing) on the season while also leading the league with 1150 passing yards.
RECEIVER OF THE WEEK
#17 Charles Hall, Virginia Union
(Jr, WR – Trenton, NJ)
Hall caught six passes for 193 yards, averaging an impressive 32.2 yards per catch, and two touchdowns in the Panthers 43-7 win over Johnson C. Smith. The junior All-CIAA performer’s two touchdown receptions went for 77 and 60 yards, respectively. For the season, Hall is averaging a CIAA-best 125 receiving yards per game.
OFFENSIVE BACK OF THE WEEK
#26 Tyrek McNeil, Chowan
(So, RB – Greensboro, NC)
McNeil ran for a career-high 179 yards on 19 carries, averaging 9.4 yards per carry. The sophomore from Greensboro, NC also caught two passes for 10 yards in the Hawks 59-12 win over Saint Augustine’s.
DEFENSIVE BACK OF THE WEEK
#32 Elijah Baliff, Elizabeth City State
(RS Jr, DB – Forestville, MD)
Baliff registered six tackles, including five solo stops, in ECSU’s 19-14 win over Winston-Salem State.The junior defender also recorded two interceptions, including one on WSSU’s final drive that clinched the win.
Offensive Lineman – Antavious Zachery, Shaw (So, OL – Lithonia, GA) helped the Shaw offense produce 487 yards of total offense, including 299 yards on the ground, and average nearly seven yards per play in their win over Central State. The sophomore from Lithonia, GA and his linemates didn’t give up a sack and the Bears put up 52 points, which is the most points scored by a team in the CIAA this season.
Quarterback – Bryce Witt, Chowan (Sr, QB – Sutherland, VA) completed 22 of 33 passes for 405 yards and tied his own school record with seven touchdowns while adding 20 yards on the ground in the Hawks 49-19 win over Erskine College. The senior signal-caller has thrown for 910 yards and 11 touchdowns while averaging 317 yards of total offense, all of which lead the conference this season.
Receiver – Imeek Watkins, Chowan (SR, WR – Wilmington, NC) had a game-high 201 rushing yards on 15 carries and two touchdowns in the Panthers 49-7 win over Virgina Lynchburg. The Hammonton, NJ native also caught one pass for 11 yards to earn Offensive MVP honors in his first Willard Bailey Classic.
Offensive Back – Jada Byers, Virginia Union (Fr, RB – Hammonton, NJ) finished with a game-high 110 yards on 15 carries and a touchdown in Shaw’s near upset of FCS-DI Davidson, averaging over seven yards per carry. An All-CIAA selection in 2019, Gibbs has the highest individual single-game rushing total in the conference so far this season.
Defensive Back – Marquis Hamilton, Virginia Union (Gr, DB – Washington, DC)picked off two passes, returning one for 16 yards that led to a Virginia Union touchdown in their 49-7 win over Virginia Lynchburg. The Washington, DC native also registered a tackle on his way to being named Defensive MVP of the Willard Bailey Classic.
Linebacker – Ta’Shaun Taylor, Winston-Salem State (Sr, LB – Durham, NC) led his team with 10 tackles and tied for the game-high with eight solos against FCS-DI North Carolina Central. The senior from Durham, NC also had a pass breakup and an assisted on a tackle for loss.
Defensive Lineman – Rafiq Abdul-Wahid, Chowan (Sr, DL – Baltimore, MD) posted five tackles with two and a half sacks in Chowan’s 49-19 win over Erskine. The senior from Baltimore, MD also forced a fumble and registered a quarterback hurry while leading a defensive front that allowed just 21 yards rushing.
Special Teams Player – Devin Versteegen, Shaw (Fr, K – Rolesville, NC)delivered 10 of the 52 points scored by Shaw in their shut out win over Central State. The freshman from Rolesville, NC hit on all seven of his PAT attempts and added a 23-yard field goal, producing the highest single-game point total by a CIAA kicker this season.
Rookie of the Week – Raevon Freeman, Elizabeth City State (Fr, DL – Matthews, NC)posted six tackles, including four solos, and two sacks against FCS-DI Norfolk State. The first-year defensive lineman also forced two fumbles and had a fumble recovery while also registering a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry.
Rookie of the Week – J.J. Davis (RB, 5-9, 179, r-Fr., Cincinnati, Ohio) rushed eight times for 121 yards and two touchdowns against Elizabeth City State – including a 72-yard scamper in the fourth quarter.
Offensive Player – Juwan Carter (QB, 6-0, 175, r-Sr., Richmond, Va.)tied Norfolk State’s Division I program record with five touchdown passes against Elizabeth City State, passing for 353 yards and completing 23 of his 30 passes (76.7 percent). He accounted for 381 total yards as the Spartans set new program records for points and total yards in a single game.
Offensive Lineman – Colby Byrd (C, 6-3, 290, r-Jr., Virginia Beach, Va.) graded out at 97 percent against Elizabeth City State, committing no penalties and giving up no sacks in helping the Spartans rack up a single-game record 675 yards of total offense.
Defensive Player – Chris Myers (DE, 6-6, 245, r-Sr., LaVergne, Tenn.) recorded two of Norfolk State’s eight sacks against Elizabeth City State for a total of 15 yards. He was also key in holding the Vikings to negative-49 yards rushing.
Specialist – Adrian Olivo (K, 5-10, 160, So., Plant City, Fla.) kicked a pair of field goals in helping the Eagles come back for the win against Winston-Salem State, including a career-long 43-yarder in the third quarter.
Offensive – D’Vonn Gibbons, Savannah State (Stone Mountain, Ga.)was instrumental in Savannah State’s 41-34 win over Benedict this week. With the game tied and 1:24 to play, Gibbons rushed 31-yards on a keeper for the go-ahead touchdown and SSU win. He led the entire field in rushing with 138 yards on 20 carries and two rushing TD’s. Gibbons connected on two catches for 45 yards in the air.
Defensive – Mitchell Smiley, Miles (Safety – Huntsville, Ala.) Injuries depleted the Golden Bears secondary, so Smiley was moved to safety for the first time in his career. He responded with a game-high 11 tackles (eight solo) in Miles’ win over Morehouse.
Special Teams – Kenneth Lockhart, Savannah State (K – Kenneth Lockhart, Savannah State) stepped up in the Tigers 41-34 win over Benedict this week. Lockhart hit a career-best 44-yard field goal and a 30-yard field goal, punted four times for 194 yards and put up 399 yards on 7 kickoffs for the Tigers. He also added four extra points, contributing 10 total points to the scoring effort.
Newcomer – Keynon Webb, Tuskegee (WR – Jackson, MI) topped all receivers on either side with a season-best 52 yards and three receptions, including a huge chunk of it coming on a 36-yard catch-and-run in the Golden Tigers’ win over Edward Waters.
Offensive – Gary Quarles (Alabama A&M) delivered a clutch performance on national television as he played a key role in Alabama A&M’s 30-27 SWAC opening victory over Bethune-Cookman. He carried the ball 27 times for 101 yards and also made an impact as a receiver. He caught three passes for 46 yards and helped keep the defense guessing in the Bulldogs’ first conference game of their title defense.
Defensive- Markquese Bell (Florida A&M) set a new career-high of 15 tackles while also recording a sack and forcing a fumble during Florida A&M’s game versus South Florida on Saturday. For his outstanding efforts he was also named the Reese’s Senior Bowl Defensive Player of the Week.
Specialist- Josh Sanchez (Arkansas-Pine Bluff) helped keep Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the game this past Saturday with his stellar play on special teams. He punted the ball a total of five times for 214 yards while also averaging 42.8 yards per punt. Sanchez had a long punt of 62 yards and had two punts of fifty or more yards. He also placed two punts inside the twenty-yard line.
Newcomer- Jawon Pass (Prairie View A&M)threw for 365 yards going 24-of-35 while leading the team to a season high of 529 total yards. He threw two touchdowns during the game and was a key contributor for the Panthers offensively also tallying 33 yards rushing while averaging 3.7 yards per carry.
Offensive Lineman – David Keck, Chowan (RS Jr, OL – Rocky Mount, NC) led a Chowan offensive line that paved for the way for 460 yards of total offense, including 325 through the air. Off to their best start since 1999, Keck and the Hawks offense scored 46 points in their double overtime win over Tusculum and are currently averaging a CIAA-best 38 points per game.
Quarterback – Ja’rome Johnson, Bowie State (Sr, QB – Washington, DC)completed 27 of 35 passes for 409 yards and three touchdowns, including a 96-yarder to Darious Bowman, in leading #25 Bowie State to a 28-19 win over Saginaw Valley State. The reigning CIAA Offensive Player of the Year currently leads the conference with 635 yards passing and six touchdowns through the air after two weeks.
Receiver – Darious Bowman, Bowie State (RS So, WR – Fort Washington, MD)was the favorite target of quarterback Ja’rome Johnson on Saturday, hauling in eight catches for 175 yards that included a 96-yard touchdown catch. He also recorded one rush for six yards in helping #25 Bowie State to a 28-19 win over Saginaw Valley State. The redshirt sophomore currently averages a CIAA-best 95.5 receiving yards per game this season.
Offensive Back -Sidney Gibbs, Shaw (So, RB – Black Mountain, NC) finished with a game-high 110 yards on 15 carries and a touchdown in Shaw’s near upset of FCS-DI Davidson, averaging over seven yards per carry. An All-CIAA selection in 2019, Gibbs has the highest individual single-game rushing total in the conference so far this season.
Defensive Back – Joshua Williams, Fayetteville State (Sr, DB – Fayetteville, NC)earns his second straight weekly honor after totaling game-high 10 tackles, including five solos, from the cornerback position while also registering a pass breakup. The Fayetteville, NC native currently ranks among league leaders in both tackles (15) and passes defended (3) after two weeks.
Linebacker – Devon Hunt, Shaw (Sr, LB – Hamlet, NC) totaled a game-high 16 tackles, including seven solos and one tackle for loss, on Saturday as Shaw almost pulled off an upset over FCS-DI Davidson. The senior from Hamlet, NC also led all defenders with two pass breakups while helping hold the Wildcats to just 82 passing yards. Hunt currently leads the CIAA with 25 total tackles (12.5 tackles/game) on the season.
Defensive Lineman – Joshua Pryor, Bowie State (RS Jr, DL – Baltimore, MD)finished with a game-high seven tackles, including five solos, in nationally-ranked Bowie State’s 28-19 win over Saginaw Valley State. The preseason All-American also recorded three tackles for loss, two quarterback hurries, and a half sack while helping the Bulldog defense hold SVSU to just 174 yards of total offence.
Special Teams Player – Jude McAtamney, Chowan (So, K/P – Derry, Ireland)went a perfect 5-for-5 on extra point attempts and hit a program record 47-yard field goal to help Chowan to a 46-38 win over Tusculum in double overtime and their best start since 1999 with a 2-0 record. The Derry, Ireland native also had five kickoffs for 301 yards with one touch back.
Rookie of the Week – Christian Peters, Shaw (Fr, QB – Charlotte, NC)completed 19 of 31 passes for a game-high 196 yards while adding 23 yards rushing against FCS-DI Davidson. The Charlotte, NC native also tossed three touchdowns, including a 33-yarder to Jon Barnes. Peters is currently second in the CIAA with a 64.4 completion percentage after two games.
Rookie of the Week – Sy’Veon Wilkerson (RB, 5-9, 205, Fr., Chicago, Ill.) rushed for 98 yards and a touchdown against Georgetown, averaging 5.2 yards per carry.
Offensive Player – Juwan Carter (QB, 6-0, 175, r-Sr., Richmond, Va.) tossed two touchdowns and passed for 195 yards in the Spartans’ contest against Wake Forest, while also rushing nine times for 37 yards to amass 232 yards of total offense as Norfolk State scored its second-highest point total ever against an FBS opponent.
Offensive Lineman – Jalen Powell (LG, 6-3, 280, r-Sr., Temple Hills, Md.) graded out at 95 percent against Wake Forest, registering four pancake blocks and yielding no sacks for a Spartans offense that racked up 336 total yards.
Defensive Player – Decobie Durant (DB, 5-11, 175, Gr., Lamar, S.C.) recorded two interceptions against Clemson, including a diving grab near midfield in the fourth quarter that was featured on SportsCenter’s Top 10 Plays.
Specialist – Juan Velarde (P, 5-10, 180, Fr., Anderson, S.C.) averaged 43.8 yards per punt, recording three punts of more than 50 yards, including a long of 54 yards. He had one kick inside the 20-yard line.
Offensive – Dionte Bonneau (QB – Atlanta, GA) led the Rams to a 28-12 victory over the Shorter Hawks. He completed 20-of-27 passes for 278 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He also led the team in rushing with 84 yards on the ground. The sophomore quarterback spread the field using eight different receivers to catch passes in the game.
Defensive – Kailen Abrams (LB – Detroit, MI) had nine tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and fumble recovery in Saturday’s 19-7 win over Lincoln (PA). Abrams was part of a CSU defense that forced to LU turnovers inside their own 20-yard line, leading to CSU touchdowns.
Special Teams – Gabriel Ballinas (K – Guadeloupe, Mexico) kept the Shorter Hawks at bay on Saturday night. He had four punts with all four of them pinning Shorter inside the 20-yard line. Two of the punts were downed inside the 5-yard line. The junior kicker/punter also averaged 61.2 yards per kickoff, resulting in two touchbacks.
Newcomer – Jamal Holloway (DE – Camden, NJ) had a dominant performance in Saturday’s 19-7 win over Lincoln (PA). The 245-pound transfer led the CSU defense with 13 tackles, 2 sacks, 3.5 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and a pass break up.
Offensive- Shedeur Sanders (Jackson State) It was a record-breaking performance for Jackson State freshman quarterback Sanders at the Southern Heritage Classic. The Canton, Texas product completed 30-of-40 passes for 362 yards and three touchdowns. Sanders’ 30 completions set a new Southern Heritage Classic record as he distributed the ball to a total of nine different JSU receivers.
Defensive- James Houston (Jackson State) led the Jackson State defensive effort on Saturday in the Tigers’ win over Tennessee State. The rush specialist totaled 10 tackles to go along with 4.5 sacks for negative 33 yards. Houston also added five total tackles for loss during Jackson State’s 38-16 win.
Specialist- Warren Newman (Jackson State) Newman’s 81-yard punt return in the fourth quarter proved to be a key score in Jackson State’s 38-16 win over Tennessee State at the Southern Heritage Classic. The punt return was the longest in the history of the Southern Heritage Classic. Newman also tallied a game-high seven receptions for 26 yards.
Newcomer- Deonte Williams (Florida A&M) found his way into the backfield often as he recorded three tackles for loss, two sacks and forced a fumble during Florida A&M’s 34-7 win over Fort Valley State at Bragg Memorial Stadium on Saturday. He was a key contributor for a Rattlers defense that held FVSU to 35 total rushing yards for the game.
Offensive Lineman – Greg Books (Gr, OL – Walkertown, NC) was at the center of an offensive line that helped lead the Broncos to 415 yards of total offense, including 229 yards on the ground. Behind Brooks and the rest of the OL unit, the FSU offense scored six touchdowns on their way to defeating Elizabeth City State, 47-6, in the Down East Viking Football Classic.
Quarterback – K’hari Lane (Sr, QB – Oglethorpe, GA) completed 12 of 17 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns, including a 13-yard strike to Tyeous Sharpe to cap off the longest scoring drive of the game (10 plays, 69 yards). The Oglethorpe, GA native was the CIAA’s most efficient passer for the week with a 184.6 rating and ran for a touchdown as he helped lead the Broncos to a 47-6 win over ECSU in the Down East Viking Football Classic.
Receiver – Charles Hall (Jr, WR – Trenton, NJ) had a huge game against FCS-DI Hampton with six catches for 182 yards, including a 83-yard pass from quarterback Khalid Morris. The junior from Trenton, NJ also hauled in a 39-yard touchdown pass from teammate Jaden Reavis.
Offensive Back – Jaylon Boyd (RS Fr, RB – Columbia, SC) ran for 70 yards on 20 carries, averaging 3.5 yards per carry. The redshirt freshman also ran for two touchdowns, including the game-winning score in overtime to help the Hawks defeat Mars Hill 30-24.
Defensive Back – Joshua Williams (Sr, DB – Fayetteville, NC) intercepted a pass and returned it 32 yards for a touchdown in the Broncos 47-6 win over Elizabeth City State. The 6-3 senior also tallied five tackles, including four solo stops, and helped the FSU defense hold the Vikings to just 101 yards of total offense.
Linebacker – Jalen Burton (RS Fr, LB – Norfolk, VA) totaled a team-high 10 tackles with two solos and a half sack in Chowan’s 30-24 win over Mars Hill. The Norfolk, VA native also had one QB hurry and helped the Hawks defense hold off the Lions in overtime to help seal the game.
Defensive Lineman – Keyshawn James (Sr, DL – Cayce, SC) started off his senior season in a big way with a team-high 11 tackles, including four solos, and six tackles for loss. The All-CIAA defender also registered three sacks and helped lead a Bronco defense that held ECSU to just 101 yards of total offense, including minus-4 yards on the ground.
Special Teams Player – Zion Riddick (Jr, KR/PR/WR – Ahoskie, NC) returned five kickoffs against Fayetteville State for 137 yards, including a 61-yarder late in the fourth quarter. The All-CIAA returner also scored the Vikings only points of the game on a 15-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kevin Caldwell.
Rookie of the Week – Cornelius Booker (Fr, DB – Kannapolis, NC) led SAU with eight total tackles, including five solo stops, and finished with a game-high three pass break-ups.
Offensive Player and Rookie of the Week – Sy’Veon Wilkerson (RB, 5-9, 205, Fr., Chicago, Ill.) rushed for a game-high 92 yards in the Hornets’ season-opening win over Bowie State on Saturday, finding the end zone three times on 26 carries – including an 11-yard score with 5:38 left in the game that put Delaware State up two possessions.
Defensive Player – Esaias Guthrie (DB, 6-2, 175, r-Fr., Wilmington, Del.) had two of the Hornets’ four interceptions on Saturday against Bowie State, racking up a total of 93 return yards. That included his 87-yard pick-six with 41 seconds remaining in the first half.
Specialist – Kevin DeShields (DT, 6-3, 300, Jr, Bridgeton, N.J.) blocked a pair of extra-point attempts in the Hornets’ season-opening victory over Bowie State.
Offensive – Tyrell Jackson (QB – Greenville, SC) connected on 17-of-34 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns with one interception in a 30-0 win over Tuskegee. He added 5 carries for 26 yards for a total of 192 yards of total offense. His two touchdown passes in the 3rd quarter took it from a 6-0 lead to a 20-0 lead.
Defensive – Tyler Moore (DB – Ashburn, GA) helped make the biggest early defensive play and continued the play throughout the night. He totaled seven tackles, three solo, a sack, a tackle for loss, forced a fumble and a fumble recovery. He helped set the defensive tone after a FVSU fumble on the 4th play, he teamed with Deon Andrews to stop the Golden Tigers on 4th and 1 at the goal line. His blitz off the corner and strip sack, which was scooped by Zach Anderson for a 60-yd fumble return touchdown was the 3rd-straight forced TU turnover in the 3Q to take a 6-0 game to 27-0. He helped the FVSU defense hold Tuskegee to 4 yds rushing and 103 total yards, 7 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 4 forced fumbles and an interception to snap an 8-game losing streak in the series.
Special Teams – Carlos Saldana (K – Austell, GA) booted a 30-yard field goal as time ran out to lift CAU to a 13-10 victory over Livingstone on Saturday. Saldana, a senior from Austell, Ga., hit 2-of-3 field goals on the day. Saldana’s kick gave CAU their first season-opening win since 2017 – that came in a game in which Saldana kicked an extra point to put the game into overtime and then kicked a game-winning field goal to lift the Panthers to victory.
Newcomer – Jalen Parker (QB – Hoover, AL) came off the bench to spark the Golden Bears against Alabama State. His 16-yard touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter tied the game and his 5-yard touchdown run in overtime briefly gave Miles the lead.
Offensive- Aqeel Glass (St. Louis, Mo.) showed the skill set that helped elevate him to the SWAC Offensive Player of the Year crown at the conclusion of the spring season. His stellar play at quarterback helped lead Alabama A&M to a thrilling 42-41 victory over South Carolina State to open the 2021 season. Glass went 28-of-49 for 426 yards and four touchdowns through the air while adding one touchdown on the ground. Over the course of the game he would connect on 32 and 35-yard strikes before rushing the ball for the game winning score from one yard out, to give AAMU a 42-41 lead with 6:30 left to play in regulation.
Defensive- Aubrey Miller (Memphis, Tenn.) had a game high nine tackles and recorded one sack for a Jackson State defense that kept Florida A&M out of the end zone while also limiting the Rattlers to 234 yards of total offense. He contributed 1 tackle for loss (15 yards), 1 pass breakup, highlighted by 7 unassisted stops during JSU’s 7-6 win over Florida A&M at the Orange Blossom Classic.
Specialist- Garrett Urban (Houston, Texas) was a key factor for Grambling State’s special teams unit during the Tigers 16-10 win over Tennessee State. He punted the ball six times for a total of 246 yards (41 yards per punt) with a long of 51 yards. Urban would go on to connect on a 24-yard field goal attempt with 9:48 remaining in regulation to push GSU’s lead to 16-10 which would subsequently be the final score of the contest.
Newcomer- Jawon Pass (Columbus, Ga.) a transfer from Louisville led a Prairie View A&M Panthers offensive unit that racked up 486 yards of total offense on 75 plays. He completed 25-of-37 passes for 354 yards with three passing touchdowns. His efforts helped lead PVAMU to a 40-17 season opening win over Texas Southern in the Labor Day Classic.