OFFENSIVE
C.J. Walker, RB ? Jr., 5-9, 189 ? Altamonte Springs, Fla. ? Eastern Kentucky
Walker rushed for a career-high 229 yards and three touchdowns in Eastern Kentucky’s 34-7 victory over rival Murray State as the Colonels kept their OVC title hopes alive. The 229 yards was the most by an OVC player this season. Walker had touchdown runs of 16, 51, and 60 yards for EKU, with the 60-yarder being the longest run from scrimmage for the Colonels this season. He scored his first two touchdowns in the first quarter and his third touchdown in the second quarter, a score that put his team up 28-0. In total Walker had 25 carries and averaged 9.2 yards per carry.
Others Nominated: Daniel Jackson, Jacksonville state; Matt Scheible, Southeast Missouri; Cade Thompson, UT Martin.
DEFENSIVE
Andrew Ridgeway, LB ? Jr., 6-2, 230 ? Fort Payne, Ala. ? Jacksonville State
Ridgeway recorded a career-high 11 tackles (8 solo) and returned a blocked field goal 72 yards for a touchdown in Jacksonville State’s 26-21 victory over No. 16 Tennessee State on Saturday. With the Gamecocks trailing by seven in the first quarter and TSU attempting a 30-yard field goal, Ridgeway scooped up the blocked kick and raced for his first career touchdown to tie the game. He also added a pass break-up and a quarterback hurry.
Others Nominated: Pierre Walters, Eastern Illinois; Nathan Williams, Murray State; Nick Stauffer, Southeast Missouri; Brent Acker, UT Martin.
SPECIALIST
Gavin Hallford, K ? Sr., 5-10, 180 ? Phenix City, Ala. ? Jacksonville State
Hallford kicked a pair of field goals which proved to be the difference in Jacksonville State’s 26-21 win over No. 16 Tennessee State. He kicked a career-long 48 yarder on the final play of the first half to give the Gamecocks a 17-14 halftime advantage. Hallford would add a 36-yard field goal in the third quarter. He finished the day with eight points, pushing his career total to 311 and moving him into second place on the OVC all-time scoring list. Hallford has been named OVC Specialist of the Week twice this season.
Others Nominated: Doug Spada, Southeast Missouri.
NEWCOMER
Ryan White, RB ? R-Fr., 5-8, 195 ? Nashville, Tenn. ? Austin Peay
White carried the ball 23 times for 124 yards and a touchdown in the Governors 15-13 road victory over Eastern Illinois. His touchdown run, a 45-yard burst, came with 8:17 left in the game and proved to be the game-winner. It marked the third straight 100-yard rushing performance for White, who has racked up 425 total yards in those three contests. It marks the second time this season White has been named Newcomer of the Week (Oct. 26 was the other).
Others Nominated: Ryan Perrilloux, Jacksonville State; Matt Scheible, Southeast Missouri; JaJuan Spillman, Tennessee State.