Football Players of the Week: November 7
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –
Valdosta State quarterback Adam Robles and
Florida Tech linebacker Chris Stapleton have been named the Gulf South Conference Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week for games played in Week Ten of the 2016 season.
Mississippi College kick returner Marcel Newson was tabbed the Special Teams Player of the Week, and
Valdosta State running back Cedric Hollingshed is the Freshman of the Week.
Robles completed a season-high 34 passes for 353 passing yards and three touchdowns in the big win for Valdosta State over West Alabama. He was sacked just once in the contest and added 18 rushing yards. The win for the Blazers keeps their playoff aspirations alive, as VSU was ranked seventh in the latest set of regional rankings, while UWA was fifth.
Stapleton spearheaded the Panthers’ defensive effort in the 45-21 win over West Georgia. In this pivotal matchup for playoff positioning, Stapleton had a game-high 13 tackles. His 13 stops are tied for the most by any FIT player this season. Stapleton also had a sack in the game and helped hold the Wolves to just 272 yards of total offense.
Newson is winning GSC Special Teams Player of the Week for the second time this season. In the shutout win over Shorter, Newson provided the Choctaws with all the points needed for a win on the first play, taking the opening kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown. It was the first conference win of the year for MC. Newson added 30 punt return yards in the game and also had a receiving and a rushing touchdown. He is currently fourth in the nation in all-purpose yards (189.5).
Hollingshed has now been named the GSC Freshman of the Week four times in 2016. In the win over West Alabama, Hollingshed had17 carries for 43 yards and a touchdown. He also had three receptions for 27 yards. The freshman currently sits eighth in the league in rushing yards per game (56.0) and is tied for seventh in the rushing touchdowns (6).
Also nominated for Offensive Player of the Week: Jacob Tucker (North Alabama, QB)
Also nominated for Defensive Player of the Week: Darius Ellis (West Alabama, DE); Eddrick Harris (North Alabama, LB); Brandon Roe (Valdosta State, DB)
Also nominated for Special Teams Player of the Week: Jaylan Jackson (North Alabama, KR); Gary Simon (Valdosta State, PR)
Also nominated for Freshman of the Week: N/A