BIRMINGHAM, ALA. – Grambling State redshirt sophomore quarterback Geremy Hickbottom, Alabama State junior linebacker Darron Johnson, Jackson State senior defensive lineman Malik Hamner and Alcorn State junior running back De’Shawn Waller were all named the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Football Players of the Week in week six of the season for their outstanding play.
Offensive
Grambling State
Geremy Hickbottom (R-SO, QB, Mobile, Ala.)
Hickbottom had a career night in a 62-7 victory over Oklahoma Panhandle State. He threw for 297 yards (career high) on 16-of-24 passing with three touchdowns. He threw touchdown passes of 38, 46 and 60 yards (Devohn Lindsey, Quintin Guice, and Lyndemian Brooks). In addition to three passing touchdowns, Hickbottom led the Tigers’ ground game with six carries for 71 yards and three touchdowns.
Defensive
Alabama State
Darron Johnson (JR, LB, Memphis, Tenn.)
Johnson recorded a career-high 14 tackles, including four solo stops in a five-overtime victory for the Hornets over the four-time SWAC East Division champions Alcorn State on the road. The junior recorded a tackle for loss and also had 0.5 sacks on the night – combining with Lucky Oyovwi on the sack.
Specialist
Jackson State
Malik Hamner (SR, DL, Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
Hamner blocked two field goals to help the Tigers preserve a 30-27 victory against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. In doing so, Jackson State improved to 2-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play. The team blocked three on the day—a school record for most blocked kicks in a single game in program history.
Newcomer
Alcorn State
De’Shawn Waller (JR, RB, Atlanta, Ga.)
Waller had a career day for the Braves on Saturday against Alabama State in a five-overtime thriller. Waller broke loose for a career-high 214 rushing yards and two touchdowns. His scores came on a 22-yarder and a one-yarder. Waller crushed his previous career-high of 54 yards. He helped the Braves outgain the Hornets 530-240 in total yards and 408-85 in rushing yards. Waller averaged 7.6 yards per carry on 28 rushes.
