SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference named its football players of the week today for all games played Sept. 6. Western Carolina’s Darius Ramsey and Furman’s Gary Wilkins have been named Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week, respectively. Chattanooga’s Lucas Webb was selected as the Freshman of the Week, while Furman’s John Croft Hollingsworth was tabbed as the Special Teams Player of the Week. The players of the week are selected by the league office.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Darius Ramsey, Western Carolina, Jr., RB, Waco, N.C.
Western Carolina’s Darius Ramsey accounted for 95 yards of total offense and scored three touchdowns in WCU’s 45-21 win over Brevard on Saturday night. Ramsey averaged 9.7 yards per carry as he rushed nine times for 88 yards and three touchdowns, including a long of 38 yards. The junior also caught one pass for 7 yards.
Other Nominees: Aaron Miller (The Citadel) and Keon Williams (Chattanooga).
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Gary Wilkins, Furman, Sr., DE, Covington, Ga.
Furman’s Gary Wilkins has been named the league’s Defensive Player of the Week for the second consecutive week. Wilkins tallied 10 tackles in Furman’s 25-20 win at Mercer on Saturday. The Covington, Ga., native also recorded what proved to be the game-winning score with a 19-yard interception return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter that gave the Paladins a 25-14 advantage. It was his second career INT return for a touchdown, and his third career score. Wilkins was also credited with four solo tackles, a quarterback hurry and a pass break-up in the win.
Other Nominees: Tevin Floyd (The Citadel), Tyler Ward (Mercer), Dee Virgin (Chattanooga) and Ace Clark (Western Carolina).
FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK: Lucas Webb, Chattanooga, Fr., DB, Northport, Ala.
Lucas Webb turned in a strong defensive effort for the Mocs against ninth-ranked Jacksonville State last weekend. Webb was credited with six tackles and returned an interception 37 yards for a touchdown late in the second quarter. The Northport, Ala., native was also credited with another pass break-up against the Gamecocks.
Other Nominees: Dominique Allen (The Citadel), John Croft Hollingsworth (Furman), Alex Lakes (Mercer) and Detrez Newsome (Western Carolina).
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: John Croft Hollingsworth, Furman, Fr., PK/P, Greenwood, S.C.
Hollingsworth handled all the kicking duties for Furman and accounted for 13 of the Paladins’ 25 points against Mercer. The freshman connected on four of five field goal attempts, including a 50-yard effort early in the fourth quarter. He had one punt for 36 yards, which was downed inside the Mercer 20-yard line. The Greenwood, S.C., native also averaged 64.0 yards on seven kickoffs, including two that went for touchbacks.
Other Nominees: Will Vanvick (The Citadel), Henrique Ribeiro (Chattanooga) and Detrez Newsome (Western Carolina).