SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The Southern Conference named its football players of the week today for the games played on Saturday, October 30. Elon's A.J. Harris was named the Offensive Player of the Week while Appalachian State's Jabari Fletcher earned Defensive Player of the Week honors for the second consecutive week. Elon's Brandon Brant was selected as the Freshman of the Week, and Appalachian State's Sam Martin 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: A.J. Harris, Elon, RB, Jr., Ocean View, N.J.
Harris turned in a career day as the Phoenix topped No. 23 Chattanooga, 49-35. Harris rushed for 163 yards on 31 carries and scored four touchdowns, all of which were personal bests for the junior running back. It was the seventh-highest single game rushing total in the Southern Conference this season. Harris added three receptions for 17 yards to finish the day with 180 all-purpose yards. His 31 carries were the most for a Phoenix back since Reggie Hall ran 32 times against North Carolina A&T in 2005.
Other Nominees: Travaris Cadet (Appalachian State), Joel Bradford (Chattanooga), Chris Evans (Samford), and Eric Breitenstein (Wofford).
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Jabari Fletcher, Appalachian State, DE, Sr., Atlanta, Ga.
Fletcher was named the league's Defensive Player of the Week for the second week in a row after finishing with five tackles against Furman. He scored his first career touchdown when he scooped up a fumble and raced 40 yards to the end zone on the Paladins' first offensive series of the third quarter. Fletcher was credited with a half-sack and also recorded a quarterback hurry for the Mountaineers. He ranks third in the league with 7.0 sacks and is fourth in tackles for loss (11.5).
Other Nominees: Tolu Akindele (The Citadel), Joshua Jones (Elon), Brent Russell (Georgia Southern), Ryan Consiglio (Chattanooga), Bryce Smith (Samford) and Tommy Irvin (Wofford).
FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK: Brandon Brant, Elon, DL, Fr., Stone Mountain, Ga.
Brant recorded five tackles at Chattanooga Saturday. The freshman recovered an Errol Wynn fumble at the Elon 29-yard line. The Phoenix drove the length of the field for a score to take a 14-0 lead midway through the first quarter. Brant was credited with one quarterback hurry and a sack against the Mocs.
Other Nominees: Chaz Moore (Chattanooga) and James Zotto (Wofford).
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Sam Martin, Appalachian State, P, So., Fayetteville, Ga.
Martin punted six times in Appalachian State's 37-26 win over Furman and averaged 43.7 yards per punt. He placed two of his punts inside the 20-yard line, including a 46-yard kick that was downed at the Furman one. Martin's longest kick of the day travelled 51 yards. He is averaging 37.6 yards per punt this season and has pinned the opponents inside their 20 on 12 different occasions, the second-best mark in the league.
Other Nominees: Charlie Edwards (Georgia Southern), Bob Hooper (Samford) and Mike Hammons (Chattanooga).