BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Alabama State University picked up two of the Southwestern Athletic Conference football student-athlete of the week awards after upsetting western division leader Grambling State University Saturday. The Hornet’s Malcolm Cyrus (Autaugaville, Ala./Autaugaville) and Kourtney Berry (Merrillville, Ind./Merrillville) earned offensive and defensive student-athlete of week honors, respectively for the third time each this season. Alabama A&M University freshman Nick Carden (Huntsville, Ala.) was named specialist of the week. And Arron Baker (Belle Glades, Fla.) from Alcorn State University earned newcomer of the week.
Offensive Student-Athlete of the Week: Malcolm Cyrus (Alabama State)
Cyrus rushed for 180 yards on 27 carries with one touchdown. He also averaged 6.7 yards per carry and caught two passes for an addition 60 yards. Cyrus finished with 240 total yards in the Hornets 37-23 upset of Grambling State.
Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week: Kourtney Berry (Alabama State)
Berry finished with a game and career-high 18 tackles, 12 solo, to help the Hornets hand Grambling its first conference loss of the season. He earned 3.5 tackles for a loss, forced two fumbles and recovered one that he ran back for a touchdown.
Specialist of the Week: Nick Carden (Alabama A&M)
Carden punted five times with one landing inside the 20 and one for a touchback. He averaged 49.2 yards per punt. His longest on the day was a 69 yard boot.
Newcomer of the Week: Arron Baker (Alcorn State)
Baker carried the ball eight times for 55 yards and a game-high three touchdowns in the Braves’ 56-6 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff. He averaged 6.9 yards per carry in the win.
