Atlanta, GA—The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announced its football players of the week for the fourth installment of the 2013 SIAC Football Season as voted by the SIAC Sports Information Directors Association.
After leading his team to a come-from-behind victory against Kentucky State over the weekend, Stillman College sophomore Josh Straughan was named SIAC Offensive Player of the Week, while SIAC Defensive Player of the Week was awarded to Miles College junior Julante English after the linebacker had a stellar performance leading the Golden Bears to their first victory of the season over Albany State.
Newcomer of the Week was awarded to Miles College's Demetrice Price, who led the offensive charge for the Golden Bears in his first start of the season at quarterback. Tuskegee University All-American senior Christopher Tolbert was awarded SIAC Lineman of the Week and Benedict College junior Rodney Hall and Fort Valley State defensive back Ja'Bioas Glenn were named Co-SIAC Special Teams Players of the Week.
Offensive Player of the Week
Josh Straughan, Quarterback, Stillman
Class: Sophomore Height: 6-3 Weight: 189 Hometown: Colton, Wash.
The sophomore had a remarkable game by throwing four touchdown passes to four difference receivers-all in the second half-to lead Stillman to a 26-21 victory on the road against Kentucky State University. For the game, the Colton, Wash. native completed 19-of-32 passes for a career-high 326 yards and four touchdowns.
Defensive Player of the Week
Julante English, Linebacker, Miles
Class: Junior Height: 5-9 Weight: 180 Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
The junior led the Golden Bears defense to a strong performance against Albany State. English anchored the defense with 18 tackles, including 11 solo and one fumble recovery in Miles 22-14 win over Albany State.
Newcomer of the Week
Demetrice Price, Quarterback, Miles
Class: Junior Height: 6-3 Weight: 190 Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Making his first career start for the purple and gold, Price, a transfer from Alabama State, led the offensive charge completing 12-for-15 passes for 210 yard and two touchdowns. The junior also broke a 7-7 tie with a 37-yard scramble for the go-ahead touchdown. He finished the game with 65 yards on three carries, for a total of 275 yards for the day.
Offensive Lineman of the Week
Christopher Tolbert, Offensive Lineman, Tuskegee
Class: Senior Height: 6-4 Weight: 308 Hometown: Birmingham, AL
The senior All-American got Tuskegee's offense back on track with a solid performance. The mammoth offensive tackle provided protection and plowed running lanes for the Golden Tigers, who exploded for 545 total yards, including 304 yards on the ground, in Tuskegee's 42-17 win over Lane.
Special Teams Player of the Week
Rodney Hall, Kick Returner, Benedict
Class: Senior Height: 5-10 Weight: 185 Hometown: Knightdale, NC
Returned a kickoff 90-yard for a touchdown against Fort Valley State last weekend.
Ja'Bioas Glenn, Defensive Back, Fort Valley State
Class: Senior Height: 5-10 Weight: 210 Hometown: Vienna, GA
Glenn was named the Defensive MVP at the Augusta Classic after he blocked two Benedict punts that led to two touchdowns, in addition to returning an interception 34-yards for a touchdown. In all, the senior contributed to 21 of the Wildcats 35 points.
Other Notable Performances in Week 4
Jacquise Lockett, Running Back, Kentucky State
The junior and SIAC's leading rusher ran for 140 yards on 22 carries and scored three touchdowns in the Thorobreds 26-21 loss to Stillman.
Jessie Atkins, Wide Receiver, Albany State
Atkins had a season high 13 catches for 160 yards and two touchdowns in Albany State's 22-14 loss to Miles.
LeRon Furr, Linebacker, Fort Valley State
The All-American had 12 tackles, four tackles for losses, a sack and forced fumble.
Joshua Anderson, Defensive Back, Morehouse
The true freshman had two interceptions, including a pick in the final minute of the game to stop a potential game-winning drive in Morehouse's 28-26 victory over Edward Waters.
Robert Crosby, Linebacker, Stillman
Crosby had 12 total tackles, including six solo for the Tigers.
El-Malik Chinn, Linebacker, Tuskegee
Chinn had ten total tackles to lead Tuskegee to a big win over Lane.
Thomas Williams, Running Back, Morehouse
Williams had a career best three rushing touchdowns--all in the first half-to lead the Maroon Tigers its 28-26 win over Edward Waters. In the game, Williams rushed for 118 yards on 10 carries and had a 20-yard reception.
Antonio Pitts, Wide Receiver, Miles
Pitts caught six passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns in the Golden Bears win over Albany State.
Marcavious Dudley, Linebacker, Albany State
Dudley finished with a team high 14 total tackles against Miles
Terry Horton, Linebacker, Kentucky State
Horton finished with nine tackles, a sack, and two tackles for losses.