SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The Southern Conference named its football players of the week today for the games played on Saturday, October 9. Appalachian State's DeAndre Presley was named the Offensive Player of the Week while Samford's Jamael Lett earned Defensive Player of the Week honors. Chattanooga's Keon Williams was selected as the Freshman of the Week, and The Citadel's Cass Couey was tabbed the Special Teams Player of the Week. The players of the week are selected by the league office.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: DeAndre Presley, Appalachian State, QB, Jr., Tampa, Fla.
Presley totaled 374 yards of total offense in ASU's 34-31 win over Elon Saturday afternoon. Presley ran 23 times for 170 yards and two touchdowns on runs of 53 and 44 yards. His 53-yard scamper was the longest run of his career. Presley completed 14 of 19 passes for 204 yards with one touchdown. He ranks third in the nation in pass efficiency (170.42) and is tenth in the country with 310 yards of total offense per game.
Other Nominees: Terrell Dallas (The Citadel), Scott Riddle (Elon), J.J. Wilcox (Georgia Southern), Chris Evans (Samford), Keon Williams (Chattanooga), Michael Johnson (Western Carolina) and Eric Breitenstein (Wofford).
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Jamael Lett, Samford, DB, Sr., Mobile, Ala.
Lett paced the Samford defense with two interceptions in Samford's 38-7 win at Western Carolina. Lett intercepted Brandon Pechloff's pass at the WCU 23 in the second quarter to set the Bulldogs up with excellent field position. Later in the quarter, Lett intercepted a pass and ran in from 59 yards out to give Samford a 31-0 lead at halftime. He added one tackle and two pass break-ups in the victory. Lett is eighth on the team with 16 tackles this season.
Other Nominees: D.J. Smith (Appalachian State), Chris Billinglsea (The Citadel), Brandon Ward (Elon), E.J. Webb (Georgia Southern), Ryan Consiglio (Chattanooga), Mitchell Bell (Western Carolina) and Eric Eberhardt (Wofford).
FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK: Keon Williams, Chattanooga, RB, Fr., Chattanooga, Tenn.
In his first career start for the Mocs, Williams rushed for 101 yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns. Williams averaged 5.3 yards per carry in Chattanooga's 28-10 victory at The Citadel and became just the second Moc to top the 100-yard plateau this season. He became the first UTC freshman to reach 100-yards rushing since Errol Wynn had 131 against Jacksonville State in 2006.
Other Nominees: Brandon Brandt (Elon), Tae Lewis (Samford), Brian Johnson (Western Carolina) and Donovan Johnson (Wofford).
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Cass Couey, The Citadel, P, So., Tampa, Fla.
Couey punted four times and averaged 44.5 yards per kick against Chattanooga. He recorded a long of 51 yards and placed two punts inside the Mocs' 20-yard line. Couey also converted a fake punt in the fourth quarter when he ran 33 yards up the middle to give the Bulldogs a first down. The Citadel capped the drive with an eight-yard touchdown run by Terrell Dallas to cut Chattanooga's lead to 14-7. Couey is tied for the league lead with 10 punts downed inside the opponent's 20-yard line.
Other Nominees: Sam Martin (Appalachian State), Adrian Mora (Georgia Southern), Bob Hooper (Samford) and Jeff Veres (Chattanooga).