Southland Conference Names Football Players of the Week
FRISCO, Texas ? Southeastern Louisiana defensive back Tommy Connors was named the Southland Conference defensive player of the week, while his teammate, punter Cody Samples was named the conference special teams player of the week, the league office announced Monday. Central Arkansas running back Brent Grimes was the conference offensive player of the week. It is the first player of the week award this season for both Samples and Grimes, but was the second weekly award in 2008 for Connors.
Offensive Player of the Week: Brent Grimes, Central Arkansas
Central Arkansas running back Brent Grimes tied a school record with five rushing touchdowns and also had a career-high 145 rushing yards on a career-high 26 carries in the Bears’ 49-41 road victory at Stephen F. Austin. It was his third 100-yard game of the season. The junior from Baton Rouge, La. also caught career-high eight passes for 74 yards and totaled 219 yards offense. Central Arkansas piled up 524 yards of total offense as it wrapped up at least a share of first place in the Southland Conference. Grimes is now third in career touchdowns (38) at UCA and leads the Southland in scoring with 19 touchdowns. It is the first player of the week award this season for Grimes.
Honorable Mention: Jay Lucas, Southeastern Louisiana.
Defensive Player of the Week: Tommy Connors, Southeastern Louisiana
Southeastern Louisiana defensive back Tommy Connors helped the Lions snap a nine-game Southland Conference losing streak with eight tackles, a pass breakup and interception in the team’s 30-27 overtime win at Sam Houston State. His biggest play came on final snap of regulation when he blocked Taylor Wilkins’ 32-yard field goal attempt to force overtime. The junior from Marrero, La. leads Southeastern with 102 tackles and four interceptions. This is the second time this season Connors has been recognized as a player of the week award. He also was honored Sept. 29.
Honorable Mention: Travis Houston, Texas State; Jabara Williams, Stephen F. Austin.
Special Teams Player of the Week: Cody Samples, Southeastern Louisiana
Southeastern Louisiana punter Cody Samples averaged 41.7 yards on a season-high 10 punts, including a 55-yarder. The senior from Ripley, Miss., placed three punts inside the 20-yard line in Southeastern’s 30-27 overtime win at Sam Houston State. This is his first player of the week award this season.
Honorable Mention: Andrew Ireland, Texas State.
Each school’s sports information director nominates and votes for the players of the week, though is not permitted to vote for his own player.