ATLANTA—The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announced its football players of the week for the fifth installment of the 2013 SIAC Football Season as voted by the SIAC Sports Information Directors Association.
Kentucky State University junior running back Jacquise Lockett and Stillman College sophomore quarterback Josh Straughan were selected as Co-Offensive Players of the Week. Lane College senior defensive back Jack Howard is the SIAC Defensive Player of the Week.
After a breakout performance in Saturday's 21-17 win over Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University true freshman Montavious Taylor is the SIAC's Newcomer of the Week. SIAC Lineman of the Week was awarded to Tuskegee University senior offensive tackle Devonte Jones, and Kentucky State University junior kickoff returner Jakar Turner is the SIAC Special Teams Player of the Week.
Offensive Player of the Week
Josh Straughan, Quarterback, Stillman
Class: Sophomore Height: 6-3 Weight: 189 Hometown: Colton, Wash.
The sophomore eclipsed his career high set the previous week, by passing for a league high 437 yards in the losing effort to Lane. The Colton, Wash. native completed 31-for-46 passes and connected on three touchdowns. In his last two games, Straughan has completed 50 out of 78 passes for 763 yards and seven touchdowns. Straughan is the overall passing leader in the SIAC with 1,334 passing yards and 10 touchdowns, through five games.
Jacquise Lockett, Running Back, Kentucky State
Class: Junior Height: 6-2 Weight: 230 Hometown: Fulton, Ky.
The SIAC's top rusher racked up 135 yards and three touchdowns, only in three quarters, to lead Kentucky State to a 49-20 victory over Alderson-Broaddus. Although the game was suspended due to inclement weather, Lockett extended his rushing lead to 650 yards and 12 touchdowns in five games of action.
Defensive Player of the Week
Jack Howard, Defensive Back, Lane
Class: Senior Height: 5-11 Weight: 175 Hometown: Hollywood, FL
Playing much bigger than his actual size, Howard, the senior leader for the Dragons defense had a game-high 14 tackles, including nine solos, and a tackle for loss, in Lane's 28-27 victory over Stillman.
Newcomer of the Week
Montavious Taylor, Running Back, Clark Atlanta
Class: Freshman Height: 5-7 Weight: 179 Hometown: Atlanta, GA
The true freshman is continuing his impressive campaign with a breakout performance in the Panthers 21-17 victory over Morehouse. The Atlanta native rushed for a game-high 154 yards on the ground, while punching two touchdowns including the game-winning score. For the season, Taylor has five total touchdowns.
Offensive Lineman of the Week
Devonte Jones, Offensive Lineman, Tuskegee
Class: Senior Height: 6-2 Weight: 305 Hometown: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
The senior anchored Tuskegee's line against one of the top defensive fronts in the SIAC. The All-SIAC selection cleared holes to help Tuskegee running backs rush for 201 of the Golden Tigers 308 yards of total offense.
Special Teams Player of the Week
Jakar Turner, Kick Returner, Kentucky State
Class: Senior Height: 6-0 Weight: 185 Hometown: Hollywood, Fla.
The senior took a kickoff and returned it 91-yards for a touchdown, which help lead to 42 first half points for Kentucky State. The Breds won the game 49-20 over Alderson-Broaddus.
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Other Notable Performances in Week 5
Chris Rini, Quarterback, Lane
Went 23-of-32 passing for 204 yards and one touchdown, while collecting 36 yards rushing and a touchdown to lead Lane to a huge 28-27 victory over Stillman.
Trenton Earl, Quarterback, Clark Atlanta
In a run-based offense, the true freshman completed 12-of-16 passes for a season-high 157 yards passing.
Bre'Nard Williams, Linebacker, Clark Atlanta
The All-Conference linebacker had a game-high 10 tackles, including seven solo, a tackle for loss, and a sack.
Bradley Battles, Running Back, Clark Atlanta
Battles rushed for 95 yards and a touchdown in the Panthers 21-17 victory.
El-Malik Chinn, Linebacker, Tuskegee
One of Tuskegee's furious leaders at linebacker had 11 total tackles, including five solo to lead the Golden Tigers in their 21-13 victory over Fort Valley State.
LeRon Furr, Linebacker, Fort Valley State
The All-American finished the game with 15 total tackles, a tackle for loss, and a pass breakup.
Lance White, Linebacker, Morehouse
White had a game-high 15 tackles and a tackle for loss in the losing effort against Clark Atlanta.
Dondre Purnell, Wide Receiver, Stillman
Caught a game-high 14 passes for 188 yards, which included a 44 yard completion.
Reece Sturgis, Wide Receiver, Stillman
Caught eight passes for 187 yards, including a 59-yard reception
Julante English, Linebacker, Miles
Had 13 total tackles against Benedict.