Tyler ButlerNORFOLK, Va., September 30, 2024 – North Carolina Central quarterback Walker Harris and South Carolina State quarterback Eric Phoenix were named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Co-Offensive Players of the Week, presented by Coca-Cola. South Carolina State linebacker Aaron Smith earned Defensive Player of the Week honors, while teammate Kyle Gallegos was named Rookie of the Week. S.C. State’s Nick Taiste and NCCU’s Juan Velarde received Offensive Lineman and Specialist of the Week honors, respectively.
Harris (QB, 6-1, 195, r-Jr., Wake Forest, N.C.) completed 19-of-25 passes for a 76 percent completion rating. Harris threw for 245 yards including a season-high four touchdowns in NCCU’s 37-10 win over Norfolk State.
Phoenix (QB, 6-3, 210, Gr., Savannah, Ga.) completed 22-of-33 passes for 367 yards including three touchdown passes in S.C. State’s 45-25 win over N.C. A&T State.
Smith (LB, 6-2, 230, Gr., Manning, S.C.) registered 10 tackles with seven solo stops and one pass breakup in the Bulldogs’ win over N.C. A&T State.
Gallegos (K, 5-9, 150, R-Fr., Fort Worth, Texas) was a perfect 6-of-6 on point after attempts with a 42-yard field goal in the Bulldogs’ victory over N.C. A&T State. The kicker also registered 475 yards on eight kickoffs (59.4 avg.) with two touchbacks.
Taiste (OL, 6-3, 300, Sr., West Columbia, S.C.) recorded a 91 percent grade on his blocking assignments with four pancake blocks en route to leading the Bulldogs to 521 yards of total offense. Taiste anchored the offensive line that contributed to six touchdowns in the win.
Velarde (P/K, 5-10, 200, Sr., Anderson, S.C.) recorded six points on three extra points and a 23-yard field goal in NCCU’s win over Norfolk State. He added four punts for 189 yards (47.2 avg.) and two kicks inside the 20-yard line. Velarde’s longest kick went for 62 yards.
Other Top Performers
- Jayden Sutton (Delaware State) accumulated 198 yards on 20 carries (9.9 avg.) with two rushing touchdowns.
- Kristian Tate (Delaware State) registered three receptions for 88 yards and one touchdown.
- Antonio Williams (Delaware State) graded out at 90 percent at the offensive tackle position with five pancake blocks as the Hornet offense amassed 517 yards of total offense.
- Kenny Gallop Jr. (Howard) collected 11 tackles with one tackle for a loss of three yards and 0.5 sacks for two yards.
- Bryan Stukes (Morgan State) registered a game-high 13 tackles, four solo, with one pass breakup and a forced fumble.
- Nana Asante (Morgan State) blocked two extra point attempts in Morgan State’s loss to Stony Brook.
- Terique Miles (Norfolk State) recorded nine tackles, four solo, with one tackle for a loss against N.C. Central.
- Grandin Wilcox (Norfolk State) connected on a 45-yard field goal with one point-after kick.
- Jaki Brevard (North Carolina Central) registered nine tackles with three tackles for a loss of eight yards.
- Kaleb Robinson (North Carolina Central) amassed 420 yards on seven kickoffs (60.0 avg.) with one touchback while making one touchdown-saving tackle in the win over Norfolk State.
- AC McMoore (North Carolina Central) graded out at 92 percent at the offensive lineman position with two pancake blocks as the Eagles amassed 454 yards of total offense.
- Dyson Roberts (South Carolina State) recorded two punts for 93 yards (46.5 avg.) with a long of 47 yards.
