BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – West Alabama swept the Week 1 set of 2026 Gulf South Conference Football Weekly Awards presented by Athletic Solutions, as quarterback Luther Richesson (offensive), corner back Legend Doggett (defensive), punter/kicker Eion Walsh (special teams) and running back Dakarai Shanks (freshman) were each recognized. 
 
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Luther Richesson, QB, Gr., West Alabama

• Helped West Alabama to a 34-23 win at No. 21 Lenoir-Rhyne.
• Threw for 201 yards and two touchdowns, completing 22-of-31 passes.
• Led the team in rushing with 44 yards on 10 carries.
• Second consecutive week named GSC Offensive Player of the Week.

 Other nominees: Kenai Grier, Valdosta State
 
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Legend Doggett, CB, Gr., West Alabama

• Scored two fourth quarter touchdowns to help the Tigers rally for a 34-23 win over No. 21 Lenoir-Rhyne.
• His first was from a fumble recovery which he returned 40 yards, giving UWA 24-24 lead with 8:06 on the clock.
• He then provided an insurance with an 80-yard interception return, scoring with 1:45 remaining.
• Finished the game with two tackles, one unassisted, one tackle for loss, one pass breakup, two fumble recoveries, and one interception.

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

• Scored five points in West Alabama’s 34-23 win at over No. 21 Lenoir-Rhyne.
• Had three punts, totaling 128 yards, with one inside 20 yards and a long of 51 yards.
• Accounted for seven kickoffs, totaling 448 yards (average 64 yard/kick).
• Went 1-for-2 on field goals, drilling a 41-yarder and missing from 51 yards out.
• Was 2-for-2 in points after touchdown.

 
Other nominees: Adrian Gonzalez, Valdosta State
 
Freshman Player of the Week
Dakarai Shanks, RB, R-Fr., West Alabama

• Ran for 34 yards on eight carries, highlighted by a season-long 30-yard rush.
• Had two catches for 18 yards out of the backfield.
• Second consecutive week named GSC Freshman of the Week.

 Other nominees: none
 
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
 
Defensive Player of the Week
WK0 (Aug. 31): Anthony Oatis, DE, West Alabama
WK1 (Sept. 7): Legend Dogget, CB, 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
 
Freshman Player of the Week
WK0 (Aug. 31): Dakarai Shanks, RB, West Alabama
WK1 (Sept. 7): Dakarai Shanks, RB, West Alabama