BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – West Alabama trio Luther Richesson (offensive), Joseph Harper (defensive) and Eion Walsh (special teams) as well as Valdosta State’s Jabari McMillian (freshman) were recognized as the Gulf South Conference Football Weekly Awards presented by Athletic Solutions were announced following Week 2 action.
 
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Luther Richesson, QB, Gr., West Alabama

• Led West Alabama to a 24-23 win over No. 25 Pittsburg State.
• Threw for three touchdowns and 262 yards, while completing 22-of-32 (.687) passes.
• Also contributed to the ground game with 37 rushing yards on nine carries.
• The Tigers recorded their win over a top-25 opponent in back-to-back weeks and improve to 3-0 on the year.
• Nationally, after three weeks, he ranks among NCAA Division II leaders in completion percentage (12th/.682), passing efficiency (27th/158.4), passing touchdowns (7th/8), passing yards (22nd/678), and points responsible for (16th/48).

 Other nominees: Champ Harris, Valdosta State
 
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Joseph Harper, LB, Gr., West Alabama

• Helped the Tigers to a 24-23 win over No. 25 Pittsburg State.
• Recorded six tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one quarterback hurry, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
• In the fourth quarter with under three minutes remaining and UWA leading by one, Harper stopped the Pitt State drive on Tigers’ 29-yard line, with a forced and recovered fumble.
• Ranks eighth among Division II leaders in forced fumbles (0.67 per game).

 Other nominees: Curtis Janvier, Valdosta State
 
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Eion Walsh, K/P, Fr., West Alabama

• Accounted for six points as he helped West Alabama to a 24-23 win over No. 25 Pitt State with an all-around performance.
• Went 1-for-2 on field goal attempts, converting a 46-yarder in the second quarter, giving the Tigers a 10-6 lead before the half.
• Recorded nine punts, averaging 35.2 yards per kicks with a long of 53 yards, and three punts inside 20 yards.
• Had five kickoffs, totaling 321 yards, with one touchback.
• Went 3-for-3 in points after touchdowns.

 Other nominees: Brett Fitzgerald, Valdosta State
 
FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
Jabari McMillan, DB, Valdosta State 

• Helped the Blazers to a 38-9 win at Fayetteville State.
• Finished with three tackles, including one unassisted.
• Recorded two interceptions in the second half.
• Nationally, McMillan ranks 11th among Division II leaders in passes defended (1.67 per game) and 14th in interceptions per game (0.67).

 Other nominees: Eion Walsh, West Alabama
 
2026 GSC Football Weekly Award Winners
Offensive Player of the Week
WK0 (Aug. 31): Luther Richesson, QB, West Alabama
WK1 (Sept. 7): Luther Richesson, QB, West Alabama
WK2 (Sept. 14): Luther Richesson, QB, West Alabama
 
Defensive Player of the Week
WK0 (Aug. 31): Anthony Oatis, DE, West Alabama
WK1 (Sept. 7): Legend Dogget, CB, West Alabama
WK2 (Sept. 14): Joseph Harper, LB, West Alabama
 
Special Teams Player of the Week
WK0 (Aug. 31): Lucas Edenfield, P, Valdosta State
WK1 (Sept. 7): Eion Walsh, K/P, West Alabama
WK2 (Sept. 14): Eion Walsh, K/P, West Alabama
 
Freshman Player of the Week
WK0 (Aug. 31): Dakarai Shanks, RB, West Alabama
WK1 (Sept. 7): Dakarai Shanks, RB, West Alabama
WK2 (Sept. 14): Jabari McMillan, DB, Valdosta State