CHICAGO – Mercer sophomore safety Lance Wise has been named the Stats Perform FCS Co-Player of the Week after his performance against Abilene Christian on Saturday.

Wise, from Marietta, Georgia, had a career-high 20 tackles, far surpassing his previous career high of seven and just one shy of the school record, in the Bears’ 20-17 loss to the Wildcats, who kicked the game-winning field goal as time expired. Among his 20 tackles, Wise had 12 solo stops and one for loss. He also had a pass breakup on the afternoon.

Wise shared the national award this week with Southern Illinois’ Blake Parzych.

The award is the second for a SoCon player this fall. The Citadel’s Sean-Thomas Faulkner was also named the FCS Co-Player of the Week on Oct. 11 after recording 16 tackles at FBS Army West Point the day prior.

Mercer wrapped its fall schedule against Abilene Christian and returns to play on Feb. 20 at Wofford.