BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Gulf South Conference announced its football weekly award winners for Week 10 of the 2023 season. North Greenville claimed three of the four awards as running back Corey Watkins (Offensive), defensive back Kendrick Clark (Defensive) and returner Dre’ Williams (Special Teams) were each recognized. Valdosta State wide receiver Rodney Bullard meanwhile was named Freshman of the Week Week.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Corey Watkins, Sr., RB, North Greenville
Watkins had a career day Saturday leading North Greenville to a 27-17 victory over Shorter. The senior running back rushed 16 times for 239 yards, averaging 14.9 yards per carry. As a result, Watkins’ rushing total was a conference single-game high this season, the 10th-best performance in Division II in 2023 and the 10th-best single-game outing in GSC-history. He also found the end zone with a 71-yard run in the second quarter.
Other nominees: Patrick Shegog (DSU); Council Allen (VSU); Peewee Jarrett (UWF); Justus Durrant (SU)
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Kendrick Clark, So., DB, North Greenville
Clark had a big day on Saturday as the defensive back tallied two interceptions and had two pass break-ups in the Crusaders win over Shorter. The sophomore also finished with five tackles, highlighted by unassisted stops.
Other nominees: Nick Jackson (VSU); Ralph Ortiz (UWF)
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Dre’ Williams, Jr., KR/WR, North Greenville
Williams set the tone for North Greenville’s 27-17 win on Saturday over Shorter as he returned the opening kickoff 95-yards for a score. The junior, who also plays as wide receiver, finished with 188 all-purpose yards on the day as added a receiving touchdown.
Other nominees: Steven Peterson (UWG); Noah Botsford (VSU)
FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
Rodney Bullard, R-Fr., WR, Valdosta State
Bullard put together a notable performance to help Valdosta State to a 20-14 win at West Alabama on Saturday. The rookie wideout pulled in six catches as he recorded 108 receiving yards and a touchdown. Bullard’s score was a 48-yard catch and his first of the season, and proved to be the game-winner as he broke a 14-14 tie in the third quarter allowing the Blazers to improve to 6-1 in conference play. He also finished the two kickoff returns for a total 53 yards.
Other nominees: Ralph Ortiz (UWG)
2023 GSC FOOTBALL WEEKLY AWARD WINNERS
Offensive Player of the Week
Sept. 4: Sammy Edwards, Valdosta State
Sept. 11: Peewee Jarrett, West Florida
Sept. 18: Sammy Edwards, Valdosta State
Sept. 25: Patrick Shegog, Delta State & John Jiles, West Florida
Oct. 2: John Jiles, West Florida
Oct. 9: Kelvin Smith, Delta State
Oct. 16: G’Mone Wilson, Valdosta State
Oct. 23: Rajaez Mosley, West Georgia
Oct. 30: Rajaez Mosley, West Georgia
Nov. 6: Corey Watkins, North Greenville
Defensive Player of the Week
Sept. 4: Artavious Washington, West Alabama
Sept. 11: John McMullen, West Florida
Sept. 18: Trey Thomas, Shorter
Sept. 25: Nick Jackson, Valdosta State
Oct. 2: Quincy Milhomme, West Florida
Oct. 9: Keondre Williams, West Georgia
Oct. 16: Davonta Jackson, West Alabama
Oct. 23: Jacob Dorn, West Florida
Oct. 30: Jacob Harris, Valdosta State
Nov. 6: Kendrick Clark, North Greenville
Special Teams Player of the Week
Sept. 4: Ben Pledger, Mississippi College
Sept. 11: Trey Sullivan, West Alabama
Sept. 18: Colin Karhu, North Greenville
Sept. 25: Trey Sullivan, West Alabama
Oct. 2: Ben Pledger, Mississippi College
Oct. 9: Reily Mason, West Georgia
Oct. 16: Elijah Guyton, West Alabama
Oct. 23: Marcus Williams, Mississippi College
Oct. 30: Noah Botsford, Valdosta State
Nov. 6: Dre’ Williams, North Greenville
Freshman Player of the Week
Sept. 4: Michael Merriweather, West Georgia
Sept. 11: Joshua Brown, Shorter
Sept. 18: Cameran Brown, West Georgia
Sept. 25: Ralph Ortiz, West Florida
Oct. 2: Ralph Ortiz, West Florida
Oct. 9 : Ralph Ortiz, West Florida
Oct. 16: Lanear McCrary Jr., Shorter
Oct. 23: Cameran Brown, West Georgia
Oct. 30: Cameran Brown, West Georgia
Nov. 6: Rodney Bullard, Valdosta State