SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference named its football players of the week today for all games played Oct. 4. Chattanooga’s Jacob Huesman and The Citadel’s Mitchell Jeter were named the Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively. Furman’s P.J. Blazejowski was selected as the Freshman of the Week, while Mercer’s Chandler Curtis 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: Jacob Huesman, Chattanooga, Jr., QB, Chattanooga, Tenn.
Quarterback Jacob Huesman led UTC’s offensive attack in Saturday’s 55-7 win over VMI. Huesman rushed nine times for 97 yards and two TDs. Through the air, the junior signal-caller completed 15 passes for 178 yards and four touchdowns. Huesman’s four passing TDs tied a personal best he set last season against Western Carolina. With his 97 yards on the ground, he eclipsed the 2,000-yard plateau for his career and became the ninth Moc to reach that milestone.
Other Nominees: Aaron Miller (The Citadel), Karel Hamilton (Samford), Troy Mitchell (Western Carolina) and Evan Jacks (Wofford).
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Mitchell Jeter, The Citadel, Jr., DL, Rock Hill, S.C.
Mitchell Jeter tallied a game-high 12 tackles in The Citadel’s 17-13 loss at Wofford. The junior recorded eight solo stops and four assists. He was credited with two tackles for loss, which resulted in minus-6 yards. Midway through the fourth quarter, Jeter dropped Wofford quarterback Evan Jacks in the backfield, forced a fumble and recovered the fumble to give the Bulldogs possession at their own 33-yard line. Jeter was also credited with a second fumble recovery earlier in the game and added a quarterback hurry in the loss.
Other Nominees: Alex Avant (Mercer), Jaquiski Tartt (Samford), Davis Tull (Chattanooga), Trey Morgan (Western Carolina) and Kevin Thomas (Wofford).
FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK: P.J. Blazejowski, Furman, Fr., QB, St. Augustine, Fla.
Freshman quarterback P.J. Blazejowksi accounted for 208 yards of total offense and two touchdowns as Furman fell to No. 3 Coastal Carolina in double overtime, 37-31. Making his first career start, Blazejowksi completed 12 of 18 passes for 127 yards and one touchdown. He was equally effective on the ground, rushing 14 times for 81 yards and a score. The freshman helped Furman record season highs in total offense (418 yards), rushing offense (276 yards) and points (31). He rallied the Paladins from a 21-7 deficit to tie the game and later drove Furman on an 11-play, 67-yard drive to tie the game at 28 and force overtime.
Other Nominees: Isiaha Smith (The Citadel), Chandler Curtis (Mercer), Malik Johns (Samford), Alphonso Stewart (Chattanooga), Detrez Newsome (Western Carolina) and Terrance Morris (Wofford).
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Chandler Curtis, Mercer, Fr., WR/KR, Calhoun, Ga.
Freshman Chandler Curtis returned three punts for 117 yards in Mercer’s 21-18 loss at Samford. With the Bears trailing 21-10, Curtis returned a punt 99 yards for a touchdown in the game’s final minute. Following a successful two-point conversion that made the score 21-18, Samford recovered an onside kick attempt. Curtis leads the FCS with three return touchdowns this season. Curtis added two kickoff returns for 40 yards and caught three passes for 75 yards.
Other Nominees: Eric Goins (The Citadel), Trey Robinson (Furman), Greg Peranich (Samford), C.J. Board (Chattanooga), Destry Barnwell (Western Carolina) and David Marvin (Wofford).