BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Delta State quarterback Cole Kirk (offensive), linebacker JJ Hudson (defensive), West Florida returner Virgil Lemons (special teams) and Erskine wide receiver Rodshaun Dorsey (freshman) earned Gulf South Conference football weekly awards following Week 1 action.
Offensive Player of the Week
Cole Kirk, Sr., QB, Delta State
Kirk had a career performance in the Statesmen's 55-18 romp over Missouri S&T. The senior signal caller 301 yards through the air and added 115 more on the ground for a combined 416 yards of offense. Kirk's weekly ledger also included six total touchdowns – four passing and two rushing – while completing 16-of-21 passes and four rush attempts.
Other nominees: Bud Chaney (Valdosta State); Spencer Arceneaux (West Alabama); Jamontez Woods (West Florida)
Defensive Player of the Week
JJ Hudson, Sr., LB, Delta State
Hudson had a team-high eight tackles, seven solos, and two QB hurries in Delta State's 55-18 win over Missouri State S&T. The senior linebacker was part of the Statesmen defense that kept Missouri S&T scoreless in the second half.
Other nominees: Tagg Samuel (Chowan); J'Quan Hicks (Valdosta State); Cody Sigler (West Alabama); Ralph Ortiz (West Florida)
Special Teams Player of the Week
Virgil Lemons, Sr., RS, West Florida
Lemons helped West Florida to a 38-6 win in its season opener against McKendree. The return specialist set up two short field situations for UWF with long punt returns, which led to a pair of touchdowns. Lemons' first return of the game was for 61 yards, putting the Argos on the McKendree four-yard line, while his second return was am 86-yarder allowing the UWF offense to begin the drive from one-yard out.
Other nominees: Austin McKay (Valdosta State); Trey Sullivan (West Alabama)
Freshman of the Week
Rodshaun Dorsey, R-Fr., WR, Erskine
Dorsey hauled in a game-high 69 yards as Erskine fell to Division-I Presbyterian, 31-14. The redshirt-freshman registered seven passes and two touchdowns in the performance.
Other nominees: none
2024 GSC Football Players of the Week
Offensive Player of the Week
9/2: Sammy Edwards, QB, Valdosta State
9/9: Cole Kirk, QB, Delta State
Defensive Player of the Week
9/2: Larry Elder, LB, Valdosta State
9/9: JJ Hudson, LB, Delta State
Special Teams Player of the Week
9/2: Elijah Guyton, K, West Alabama
9/9: Virgil Lemons, RS, West Florida
Freshman of the Week
9/2: n/a
9/9: Rodshaun Dorsey, WR, Erskine
Nominees are submitted by their respective institutions and voted on by a committee comprised of representatives from GSC football member schools.