SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The Southern Conference named its football players of the week today for the games played on Saturday, November 13. Appalachian State's Devin Moore was named the Offensive Player of the Week while Georgia Southern's Brent Russell earned Defensive Player of the Week honors. Georgia Southern's Robert Brown was selected as the Freshman of the Week, and Appalachian State's Jason Vitaris 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: Devon Moore, Appalachian State, RB, Sr., Mebane, N.C.
Moore rushed for 115 yards and three touchdowns as Appalachian State downed Wofford, 43-13 on Saturday. The win gave the Mountaineers the league's automatic bid to the NCAA postseason and guaranteed ASU at least a share of the conference crown. The 100-yard performance was his first of the season and the eighth of his career. With touchdown runs of 11, 5 and 10 yards, he moved into a tie for fourth place in ASU history with 38 career touchdown rushes.
Other Nominees: A.J. Harris (Elon), Robert Brown (Georgia Southern) and B.J. Coleman (Chattanooga).
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Brent Russell, Georgia Southern, DL, So., Comer, Ga.
Russell finished second on the team with seven tackles as Georgia Southern downed Western Carolina, 28-6 on Saturday. The sophomore nose tackle tallied a career-high 3.5 tackles for loss which resulted in minus 22 yards. Russell was also credited with a sack for negative 12 yards. He is second in the conference with 14.5 tackles for loss this season and ranks fifth in the league in sacks (6.0).
Other Nominees: D.J. Smith (Appalachian State), Brandon Wiggins (Elon), Ryan Consiglio (Chattanooga), Bryce Smith (Samford), Jaron Norfleet (Chattanooga), Chris Everett (Western Carolina) and Tommy Irvin (Wofford).
FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK: Robert Brown, Georgia Southern, RB, Fr., Macon, Ga.
Brown was named the league's Freshman of the Week for the second consecutive week. A native of Macon, Ga., he rushed for a personal-best 153 yards and a touchdown in GSU's win. Brown ripped off an 80-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to give the Eagles a 21-6 lead. It was the longest run by an Eagle this season. He added one reception for seven yards.
Other Nominees: Patrick Blalock (Appalachian State), Brandon Brant (Elon), D.J. Key (Chattanooga), Courtland Carson (Western Carolina) and Mike McCrimon (Wofford).
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Jason Vitaris, Appalachian State, K, Sr., Seneca, S.C.
Vitaris accounted for 11 of Appalachian State's points in the Mountaineers' victory over Wofford. Vitaris was a perfect 5-for-5 on extra points in the game and was 2-of-2 in field goal attempts. He booted a 39-yarder early in the second quarter and connected from 50 yards out in the fourth quarter. It was the longest field goal of his career and the longest by a Mountaineer since Mark Wright connected from 57 yards against Troy on September 9, 2000.
Other Nominees: Kenton Beal (Elon), Charlie Edwards (Georgia Southern), Blake Cain (Western Carolina) and Mike Rucker (Wofford).