OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Kekoa Visperas, QB • 6-0, 193, R-Sr. • Eatonville, Wash. • Tennessee Tech
Visperas accounted for 292 yards of total offense and five touchdowns as Tennessee Tech scored a school modern era record 72 points on its way to a win over Davidson. The victory moved the Golden Eagles to 3-0 on the season for the first time since 1977. The Eastern Washington transfer completed 23-of-32 passes for 246 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 46 yards (7.7 ypc) and two additional scores. Four of his five touchdowns came in the first half as TTU built a 45-14 halftime advantage. Visperas had passing touchdowns of 4, 31 and 9 yards and rushing scores of 17 and 7 yards. He currently ranks fifth nationally in points responsible for per game (20.0), sixth in passing touchdowns (8) and ninth in passing efficiency (169.7).
Others Nominated: Zolten Osborne, Charleston Southern; CJ Nelson, Eastern Illinois; Nate Hampton, Gardner-Webb; Nate Glantz, Lindenwood; Kendric Rhymes, Tennessee State; Chris Irvin, Western Illinois.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jacob Waller, LB • 6-1, 212, R-Jr. • Bellevue, Iowa • Lindenwood
Waller posted a career-high 17 tackles (13 solo) and 1.5 tackles for loss as Lindenwood overcame a 21-0 deficit to top Charleston Southern 35-28 in the first Association game of the season. The 17 tackles are the fourth-most by a FCS player this season. Waller is averaged 10.0 tackles per game, which ranks first in the OVC-Big South and 15th nationally.
Others Nominated: Ja’Wuan Nickson, Eastern Illinois; Cahari Haynes, Gardner-Webb; Theron Gaines, Tennessee Tech; Josh Hastings, UT Martin.
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Charlie Viorel, K • 5-10, 185, Jr. • Wilmington, N.C. • Gardner-Webb
Viorel was perfect in the kicking game, accounting for 11 points as Gardner-Webb improved to 2-1 with a 23-13 win over The Citadel. The junior made a career-high three field goals, connecting from 26, 33 and 27 yards. He also made both of his PAT’s and averaged 62.0 yards on six kickoffs, four of which went for touchbacks.
Others Nominated: Mason Miller, Eastern Illinois; Dom LeBlanc, Tennessee Tech; Antonio Chadha, Western Illinois.
FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
Connor Wolf, QB • 6-3, 210, R-Fr. • Ada, Mich. • Eastern Illinois
In his first collegiate start, Wolf completed 28-of-44 passes for an EIU freshman record 411 yards and four touchdowns in the Panthers home game with No. 4/7 Illinois State. He became just the fourth Eastern Illinois quarterback not named Garoppolo, Payton or Romo to pass for 400 yards in a game. He started the Panthers scoring with a 75-yard strike to CJ Nelson in the second quarter. Wolf added an 18-yard score early in the fourth quarter and then connected with Nelson again on a 51-yarder with 8:30 to play to trim the ISU margin to five points. His final touchdown came on a nine-yard pass with 1:47 to play. The 411 passing yards are the most by a Division I (FBS or FCS) freshman this season.
Others Nominated: Hakeem Watters, Charleston Southern; Rico Bond, Lindenwood.