SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Mercer quarterback John Russ was named General Shale Student-Athlete of the Week for competition that took place Sept. 9-15, the league announced Wednesday.

Russ, a junior, threw for a program record 336 yards and totaled five scores in the first half of Saturday’s 57-14 home-opening win over Stetson. Four of his touchdowns came through the air, with another coming on a 3-yard rush in the second quarter. Mercer scored on all eight of its possessions in the first half en route to a school-record 51 first-half points.

The Buford, Ga., native sports a 3.581 grade point average as an accounting major. In 2014, he was recognized as an Academic All-SoCon and SoCon Academic Honor Roll recipient.

Other nominees: Maggie Grisell (Furman, Women's Soccer), Derrick Craine (Chattanooga, Football).

General Shale SoCon Student-Athletes of the Week

Sept. 9: Maggie Cropp, Mercer, Women’s Soccer

Sept. 16: John Russ, Mercer, Football

-www.SoConSports.com-