BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Southwestern Athletic Conference has announced co-offensive and co-defensive student-athletes of the week following week 10 action. Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s Willie Young (New Orleans, La.) and Chris Leachman (Long Beach, Calif.) from Alabama A&M share offensive honors this week.
On the defensive side, Aaron Breed, Jr. (Kirbyville, Texas) of Grambling and Southern’s Demetrius Carter (Chicago, Ill.) are co-student-athletes of the week. Southern’s Greg Pittman (New Orleans, La.) and Mississippi Valley State’s Nelson Hale (Pensacola, Fla.) earned their first weekly honors of the year. Pittman was named specialist of the week, while Hale earned newcomer of the week.
Co-Offensive Student-Athlete of the Week: Willie Young (Arkansas-Pine Bluff) and Chris Leachman (Alabama A&M) Young finished with 175 yards on 10 receptions with three touchdowns. He is the first Golden Lion receiver to record 10 receptions in a game since the 2010 season. Leachman made his first career start and led the Bulldogs to a 25-14 road win over Jackson State. He completed 18-of-28 for 270 yards and three touchdowns.
Co-Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week: Aaron Breed, Jr. (Grambling State) and Demetrius Carter (Southern) Breed was the Tigers’ top defensive leader. He earned 10 tackles, six solo, and grabbed 3.5 sacks. Carter made his presence felt Saturday during Southern’s 28-21 win. He led all tacklers with a game-high 11 tackles, six solo, adding two for a loss of 11 yards, and two pass breakups.
Specialist of the Week: Greg Pittman (Southern) Rebounding from a tough week, Pittman made 3-of-4 field goals from 40 yards out in the Jaguars’ 28-21 win over Alabama State. After missing his first, he went a perfect 3-for-3 to close out the game.
Newcomer of the Week: Nelson Hale (Mississippi Valley State) In a 24-14 loss to Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Hale had a career-high seven tackles, four solo, with one tackle for a loss and a forced fumble.
