Norfolk State running back Daryl Jones was selected as the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Football Offensive Player of the Week, the league announced on Monday. Delaware State’s Akeem Green and Ronnie McCullough of Bethune-Cookman earned Co-Defensive Player of the Week accolades.
Philip Sylvester of Florida A&M earned Rookie of the Week, while Norfolk State’s Jamien Banks and Delaware State’s Peter Gaertner earned Offensive Lineman and Special Team’s Player of the Week honors, respectively.
Jones (RB, 5-10, 242, Sr., Richmond, Va.) had career highs of 38 rushes for 256 yards in the Spartan’s first-ever win over Florida A&M. The 256 yards was the first 200-yard output for an NSU running back since 2001 and was the most by an MEAC running back this season. Jones’ efforts help to clinch Norfolk State’s first winning season since 1996 and was his tenth rushing touchdown of the season, tied for most in the MEAC. This is the second MEAC Offensive Player of the Week honor for Jones.
Green (CB, 5-9, 170, Sr., Philadelphia, PA) recovered a fumble and returned it 100 yards for the go-ahead score in the Hornets win over Morgan State. The return is the longest fumble return of the season in Division I (FCS). The play was the No. 2 play on ESPN’s Sports Center Saturday night and was selected as a nominee for ESPN’s Pontiac Game Changing Plays.
McCullough (LB, 6-1, 230, Sr., Tampa, Fla.) collected his second 20-tackle performance against the Winston-Salem State Rams. His total tackle showing included eight solo tackles, three for a loss of three yards and two pass breakups. This is McCullough’s second MEAC Player of the Week honor this season.
Sylvester (RB, 5-10, 185, Fr., Marianna, Fla.) rushed for 98 yards on 18 carries with two touchdowns against the Spartans last week. He recorded a 31-yard run and averaged 5.4 yards per carry. He also caught two passes for 10 yards. This is Sylvester’s third MEAC Rookie of the Week honor.
Banks (LG, 6-4, 280, Jr., Tappahannock, Va.) helped the Spartans to 405 yards of total offense against the Florida A&M Rattlers. He graded out at 98-percent on all assignments and his efforts led to a season high 272 yards of rushing for Norfolk State.
Gaertner (PK, 6-0, 180, Sr., Berlin, Germany) scored 12 of the Hornets 25 points against the Morgan State Bears. He finished 4-of-6 in field goals with attempts on the 42, 45, 34, and 43 yard-line.
Other Top Performers
Don Carey (NSU) recorded two interceptions in the Spartans win over Florida A&M.
Johnny Culbreath (SCSU) graded out at 82-percent on assignments with five knockdown blocks, three domination blocks and six cut blocks against the Pirates.
Dwayne Delaney (MSU) graded out at 98-percent as he helped the Bears offense collect 318 yards of total offense against the Hornets.
Lucas Esquivel (B-CU) connected on a 47-yard field goal against the Rams.
Jeremy Gilchrist (HAM) caught 10 passes for 110 yards and recorded a 72-yard punt return for a touchdown against the SCSU Bulldogs.
LaTravis Henderson (SCSU) tallied 12 tackles, four solo, including a tackle for a loss of three yards against the Pirates.
Cleveland McCoy (SCSU) collected 126 yards passing and 154 yards rushing with one touchdown in the Bulldogs win over Hampton.
James Lee (SCSU) graded out at 87-percent as he helped pave the way for 416 yards total offense against the Pirates.
Herb Miller (NCAT) threw for 140 yards with two touchdowns and rushed for 58 yards on seven attempts with a rushing touchdown against the Bison.
Kareem Jones (DSU) rushed for 122 yards on 28 carries to lead all rushers in the Hornets win over Morgan State.
Gregory Onyiuke (MSU) collected a career and game-high 14 tackles, seven solo, and a pass breakup against the DSU Hornets.
Wesley Taylor (FAMU) totaled 217 yards on six punts for an average of 36.2 yards per kick, including one boot for 50-yards, against the Spartans. He also connected on 3-of-5 PAT attempts.
Vernon Wilder (FAMU) collected 13 tackles, seven solo, with two sacks for a 19 yard loss against the Spartans.
Jarahn Williams (HOW) caught nine passes for 142 yards with one touchdown in the Bison’s win over N.C. A&T.
