SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference named its football players of the week today for all games played Oct. 18. Western Carolina’s Spearman Robinson and Jaleel Lorquet were named the Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively. VMI’s Al Cobb garnered Freshman of the Week honors, while Chattanooga’s Henrique Ribeiro was named the Special Teams Player of the Week. The players of the week are selected by the league office.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Spearman Robinson, Western Carolina, So., WR, Greenwood, S.C.
Spearman Robinson caught seven passes for 108 yards in Western Carolina’s 35-21 win at Mercer. Robinson averaged over 15 yards per reception and caught three touchdown passes from 33, 3 and 42 yards out. With the Catamounts holding a 21-13 lead midway through the third quarter, Robinson caught a 3-yard TD pass to push WCU ahead, 28-13. The Greenwood, S.C., native added a 42-yard strike early in the fourth quarter to give the Catamounts a 35-13 cushion. The sophomore ranks second in the SoCon in receiving yards per game (63.6 ypg) and is tied for fourth in scoring (6.9 ppg).
Other Nominees: Vinny Miller (The Citadel), Michael Eubank (Samford), Jacob Huesman (Chattanooga), Al Cobb (VMI) and Lorenzo Long (Wofford).
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Jaleel Lorquet, Western Carolina, Jr., DB, Jesup, Ga.
Jaleel Lorquet turned in a strong defensive effort for the Catamounts on Saturday. The junior helped the WCU set the tone early with a 10-yard fumble return for the game’s first touchdown. He added a second fumble recovery in the second quarter. Lorquet was credited with eight tackles in the win, including five solo stops.
Other Nominees: Tyler Ward (Mercer), Justin Cooper (Samford), Derrick Lott (Chattanooga) and Tarek Odom (Wofford).
FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK: Al Cobb, VMI, Fr., QB, Pulaski, Tenn.
Freshman Al Cobb turned in a record-setting performance for the Keydets in VMI’s 47-41 double-overtime loss to Gardner-Webb on Saturday. Cobb completed 34 of 53 passes for 351 yards. He threw a school-record six touchdowns to six different receivers. The 351 passing yards were a season high for Cobb.
Other Nominees: DeVonta Delaney (The Citadel), Alex Lakes (Mercer), Malik Johns (Samford), Lucas Webb (Chattanooga), Detrez Newsome (Western Carolina) and Terrance Morris (Wofford).
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Henrique Ribeiro, Chattanooga, So., K, Chattanooga, Tenn.
Sophomore kicker Henrique Ribeiro scored 10 points in Chattanooga’s 34-14 win at The Citadel. Ribeiro connected on all four PAT attempts and was 2-of-2 on field goals. The sophomore connected from 33 and 38 yards out to move to 8-for-8 on the season. The Chattanooga, Tenn., native now has 50 points on the season.
Other Nominees: Warren Handrahan (Samford), Destry Barnwell (Western Carolina) and David Marvin (Wofford).