BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Grambling State running back Jestin Kelly, Texas Southern linebacker Jarius Moore, Alabama A&M kicker/punter Nick Carden, and Alabama State linebacker Darron Johnson have been recognized by the Southwestern Athletic Conference for their performance in week 10 of the 2016 season.
Offensive Player of the Week – Kelly
Grambling State
Running Back
5-11 | 240 | Gr. | Port Allen, La.
Kelly ran wild during the Tigers’ 56-17 road win versus Alabama A&M, as he rushed for 200 yards on 23 carries and one touchdown. In the contest, he had a long rush of 46 yards. Kelly is the first player in the league to post a 200-yard game on the ground this season, and is up to over 500 yards on the year.
Defensive Player of the Week – Moore
Texas Southern
Linebacker
6-0 | 220 | Gr. | Houston, Texas
Moore was a one-man wrecking crew for the Tigers on Saturday as he accounted for 14 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and a interception that he returned 73 yards for TSU’s only score of the contest against Southern. Moore tallied the most tackles on all defenders in the game while also racking up a new season-high in total stops.
Special Teams Player of the Week – Carden
Alabama A&M
Kicker/Punter
6-3| 190 | Jr. | Huntsville, Ala.
Carden collected his second player of the week nod in as many weeks following a 10-punt outing where he averaged 40.5 yards per kick. Thrice he pinned the Grambling offense inside the 20 and his longest boot of the day traveled 50 yards. He also chipped in a 21-yard field goal and was 2-for-2 on extra points.
Newcomer of the Week – Johnson
Alabama State
Linebacker
6-1| 225 | Fr. | Memphis, Tenn
Johnson was as lynch-pin for Alabama State’s defensive effort against Jackson State, as the freshman was second on the team with eight tackles to go with one sack and one tackle for a loss during the Hornets’ 14-7 win. The ASU defensive unit held Jackson State to just 294 total yards of offense in the game. Johnson shares a team-lead in tackles with 56 this season.
Courtesy: SWAC
