Players of the Week
WEEK THREE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Maxwell Award Player of the Week – Michael Penix Jr. – QB – Washington
Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has been named Maxwell Award Player of the Week after leading No. 8 Washington to a 41-7 win against Michigan State this past Saturday. The 6’3 213 senior would throw for 27-of-35 on passes for 473 yards, totaling 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. The Tampa native would also tie the school first half touchdown record. He currently ranks first nationally in passing yards as well as being second in passing touchdowns. The Huskies are back in Seattle this weekend, where they are slotted to face California Saturday, Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m. PT.
Bednarik Player of the Week – Daquan Evans – DB – South Florida
South Florida defensive back Daquan Evans has been named the Bednarik Award Player of the week after South Florida’s near historic upset of No. 10 Alabama this past weekend. Evans’ dominant performance against the Crimson Tide would include 8 tackles (4 solo), 3 sacks, 4 TFL, and 1 pass break up. This would earn the 5’11 190 Florida native American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week; a feat that hadn’t been accomplished since 2018. Evans would also propel himself into the national lead for tackles for loss, as well as No. 12 in sacks. South Florida will be at Raymond James Stadium to take on Rice for their Cancer Awareness Game this Saturday at 4 p.m. EST.
Shaun Alexander Award- Freshman of the Week- Jordan Castell- S- Florida
Florida safety Jordan Castell has been named the Shaun Alexander Award Freshman of the Week after leading the Gators to an upset over No. 11 Tennessee. In the 29-16 victory, Castell made 10 tackles and 1 pass break up. The safety’s pass deflection came on a deep shot in the third quarter from QB Joe Milton III on a second and 10 from their own 31. Castell contributed to a Gator defense that held a hard-nosed Tennessee ground game averaging 257.5 rushing yards per game to just 100 rushing yards on 30 carries. The safety was also the highest ranked defender for Florida, according to Pro Football Focus. The Gators now look ahead to welcome the Charlotte 49ers to The Swamp next week.
WEEK TWO PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Maxwell Award Player of the Week – Quinn Ewers – QB – Texas
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers has been named Maxwell Award Player of the Week after upsetting No. 3, Alabama in stunning fashion (34-24). The Texas native went 24-for-38 on passes for 349 yards and 3 touchdown passes, while adding 3 carries for 11 yards. The 6 '2 195 sophomore would additionally record 6-of-7 passes in the fourth quarter for 135 yards, leading the Longhorns to a 21-point fourth-quarter finish. This performance would also help Texas earn Cheez-It National Team of the Week, making it the sixth time doing so. Texas is back home in
the Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium to take on Wyoming this Saturday, Sept. 16 at 7
p.m. CT.
Chuck Bednarik Award – Defensive Player of the Week – Jaden Hicks – DB – Washington State
Washington State defensive back Jaden Hicks has been named the Chuck Bednarik Award Defensive Player of the Week after leading Washington State to an upset of No. 19 Wisconsin. In the 31-22 victory, the Cougar sophomore tallied nine tackles, seven solos, a tackle for loss, forced a fumble and broke up two passes. Hicks’ tremendous play from start to finish led the way for the Cougars. Hicks began the game with 2 solo tackles on Wisconsin’s Braelon Allen, leading to a three-and-out to set Washington State up with the first points of the game, then finished his great play with a forced fumble that sealed the deal. The Cougars look to move to 3- 0 this week when they take on the Northern Colorado Bears at home.
Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Week – Anthony Hill Jr. – LB – Texas
Texas Linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. has been named the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week after a dominant showing in the Texas upset against No. 3 Alabama. The 6 ‘3 234 freshman would lead the Longhorn defense, making 6 tackles with 2 tackles for loss and two sacks. Hill would also record his first sack for the program during their trip down to Tuscaloosa. Texas returns home to Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium to take on Wyoming this
Saturday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. CT.
WEEK ONE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Maxwell Award Player of the Week – Jordan Travis – QB – Florida State
Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis has been named the Maxwell Award Player of the Week after a dominant performance over No.5 LSU this past weekend. Travis posted a career- high four passing touchdowns in their 45-24 win, completing 23-of-31 passing for 342 yards and rushing for 38 yards and 1 touchdown. The 6-1, 212 pounds red-shirt senior currently leads the ACC in total offense (380.0), passing yards (342.0), passing touchdowns (4), passing yards per attempt (11.03), and touchdown responsibility (5). As well as being the only player nationally with 4 passing touchdowns and 1 rushing touchdown against an FBS opponent this season. The Seminoles will be back home this weekend to take on Southern Mississippi.
Stats: 23-of-31 passing for 342 yards and 4 touchdowns; 7 rushes for 38 yards and 1
touchdown
Bednarik Award Player of the Week – Kaimon Rucker – LB – North Carolina
North Carolina linebacker Kaimon Rucker was named the Chuck Bednarik Award Player of the Week after their win against rival South Carolina this past Saturday. The 6’2, 265-pound senior linebacker led the North Carolina defense, making 8 tackles, 2 sacks, and a 5.5 TFL. This would aid North Carolina in their showing against USC, ending 31-17. The Tar Heels will be back in Chapel Hill to host Appalachian State this coming Saturday, Sept. 9 at 5:15.
Stats: 8 tackles; 2 sacks; 5.5 TFL
Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Player of the Week – Dylan Edwards – RB – Colorado
Colorado RB Dylan Edwards has been named the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year player of the week after helping lead the Buffaloes to a massive Week 1 victory over No. 17 TCU. In the 45-42 shootout, the 5-9, 170-pound Edwards rushed 6 times for 24 yards and a touchdown, while adding 5 receptions for 135 yards and 3 touchdowns through the air. Edwards set three school records in his debut, including most receiving yards and most receiving touchdowns by a running back. The Buffaloes look to build on their upset when they welcome Nebraska to Boulder this Saturday.