The Gulf South Conference announced its Football Players of the Week for Week 1 (Aug. 29 – Spet. 4) of the 2022 season.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Dorian Anderson – So., WR, Shorter
Anderson recorded three touchdowns and 104 receiving yards to lead Shorter past Brevard. The sophomore wideout made six catches in the performance, including a game-long 48-yard reception. As a result, Anderson tied Shorter's school-record for receiving TD's in a game and become the first Hawk since Tyler Pullman (Nov. 6, 2017) to earn the conference's offensive weekly honor.
Other nominees: Jamar Thompkins (VSU); Za'Tarious Anderson (UWG); Tucker Melton (UWA); Caden Leggett (UWF)
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Jameon Gaskin – Sr., LB, Valdosta State
Gaskin was all over the field in Valdosta State's victory over Keiser to open the season. The senior linebacker finished with nine total tackles, second on the team, which included two solo stops and assisted tackle for loss. Gaskin also caused problems in the passing game with one breakup, two hurries, and an interception which was returned for 37 yards in the fourth quarter setting up a field goal for a 33-21 lead at that point.
Other nominees: Xavier Robinson (UWG); Cedric Lynch (SU); Trevonte Carter (UWA); Pooda Walker (UWF)
SPECIAL TEAM PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Estin Thiele – So., K, Valdosta State
Thiele had a record day in the Blazers' season opening win over Keiser, as he tied a school and conference-record for made field goals in a game. The sophomore kicker went an impressive 5-for-5, highlighted by a 45-yard attempt, his longest of the day. Thiele was 3-for-3 in extra-point attempts, to help account for half of VSU's points in the contest. Thiele's five field-goal performance makes him just the sixth player in league-history to accomplish the feat.
Other nominees: Griffin Cerra (UWF); Gabriel Dunkle (UWA)
FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK: Akil Lampley – R-Fr., LB, Valdosta State
Lampley registered a team-high 10 total tackles in Valdosta State's win over Keiser. In his first career start, the redshirt-freshman had five solo stops and five assisted tackles, along with assisting on one tackle for loss. He also filled out the stat sheet with one quarterback hurry.
Other nominees: Festus Davies (UWG); Justus Durrant (SU)
2022 WEEKLY WINNERS
Offensive Player of the Week
Week 1 (9/5): Dorian Anderson, Shorter
Defensive Player of the Week
Week 1 (9/5): Jameon Gaskin, Valdosta State
Special Team Player of the Week
Week 1 (9/5): Estin Thiele, Valdosta State
Offensive Player of the Week
Week 1 (9/5): Akil Lampley, Valdosta State