Sorrells, Wade, Johnson and Hooper Earn Weekly Honors
SPARTANBURG, S.C. ? The Southern Conference named its football players of the week today for the games played on Saturday, Nov. 21. Furman quarterback Jordan Sorrells was named Offensive Player of the Week while teammate Nathan Wade, a free safety, was chosen as the Defensive Player of the Week. Western Carolina running back Michael Johnson was tabbed as the Freshman of the Week, and Samford’s Bob Hooper was honored as Special Teams Player of the Week. The players of the week are selected by the conference office.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Jordan Sorrells, Furman, Sr., QB
Playing in his final collegiate game, Sorrells completed 25-of-36 passes for 272 yards and career-high five touchdowns in leading Furman to a 58-21 victory over Wofford, thereby securing a third place SoCon league finish for the Paladins. The senior’s touchdown passes, which covered 3, 13, 6, 6, and 29 yards, were the most by a Paladin QB since 1991 and gave him 42 for his career, tying him with Ingle Martin for the most TD passes in Furman history.
Other Nominees: Devon Moore (Appalachian State), Terrell Hudgins (Elon), Michael Johnson (Western Carolina), Chris Evans (Samford), Lee Chapple (Georgia Southern) and Shaun Kermah (Chattanooga).
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Nathan Wade, Furman, R-Fr., FS
Wade keyed a strong Furman defensive effort, racking up a career-high 16 tackles, including 10 solo stops, and an interception in Furman's 58-21 win over Wofford, thereby securing a third place SoCon league finish for the Paladins. His interception and 8-yard return set up a touchdown that gave the Paladins a 44-0 lead at the end of the third quarter.
Other Nominees: Lanston Tanyi (Appalachian State), Bryce Smith (Samford), Mitchell Bell (Western Carolina), Brandon Ward (Elon), J.B. Shippy (Georgia Southern) and Steven Smigelsky (Chattanooga).
FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK: Michael Johnson, Western Carolina, Fr., RB
Johnson recorded his second-career 100-yard rushing game, finishing with 105 yards and a touchdown in the Catamounts’ 19-14 loss to No. 6 Appalachian State. Each of Johnson’s 100-yard games this season have come against the No. 6-ranked team in the country, on Nov. 7 against Elon and again Saturday versus ASU. Johnson also added a reception on the afternoon.
Other Nominees: Nathan Wade (Furman), Dale Riley (Elon), Darius Eubanks (Georgia Southern) and Joshua Williams (Chattanooga).
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Bob Hooper, Samford, So., P
Hooper punted seven times for an average of 45.3 yards per kick in Saturday’s 27-7 loss to 10th-ranked Elon. Hooper had a long punt on the day of 51 yards. The sophomore, who ranks 12th nationally with a 41.5-yard average on the season, also placed two punts inside the Elon 20-yard line.
Other Nominees: Mike Hammons (Chattanooga), Charlie Edwards (Georgia Southern) and Blake Cain (Western Carolina).