North Carolina Central quarterback Davius Richard was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Football Offensive Player of the Week, presented by Coca-Cola. NCCU linebacker Jayden Flakerearned Defensive Player of the Week honors, while Norfolk State’s Grant Gaffney was named Rookie of the Week. Delaware State’s Isaiah Cook and Rahkeem Smith received Offensive Lineman of the Week and Specialist of the Week accolades, respectively.
 
Richard (QB, 6-3, 220, Sr., Belle Glade, Fla.) amassed 351 yards of total offense and was responsible for five touchdowns in NCCU’s overtime victory against Campbell. He ran 21 times for 86 yards with four touchdowns and tied the NCCU game record for rushing TDs. He also broke the school record for career rushing touchdowns with 33. Through the air, Richard completed 21-of-34 passes for 265 yards and a touchdown. 
 
Flaker (LB, 6-4, 225, So., Scarborough, Maine) registered a game-high 15 tackles (11 solo), as NCCU’s defense held Campbell to just seven points in the second half, and allowed the Eagles to mount a 21-point come back to secure the overtime victory.
 
Gaffney (DL, 6-2, 260, Fr., Virginia Beach, Va.) collected six tackles, one solo, with one-half sack for a loss of four yards against North Carolina A&T. 
 
Cook (OG/C, 6-3, 290, Jr., Washington, DC) received a grade of 96 percent on all blocking assignments as he anchored the Hornet’s offensive line that accounted for 449 yards to total offense against Virginia Lynchburg. He also notched five pancake blocks in the victory.  
 
Smith (KR/PR, 5-9, 170, Baltimore, Md.) recorded two touchdowns on special teams in the Hornet’s 48-10 victory over Virginia Lynchburg. He returned an 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and a 60-yard punt return for a touchdown as he amassed 181 all-purpose yards to help seal the Hornet’s first victory of the season. 
 
Other Top Performers
 
X’Zavion Evans (NSU) carried the ball 17 times for 81 yards against North Carolina A&T. 
 
Rommell Harris-Freeman (DSU) recorded two interceptions, with one returned for a touchdown in a win over Virginia Lynchburg.
 
Marquis Gillis (DSU) rushed for 110 yards on 16 carries and caught three passes for 38 yards against Virginia Lynchburg. 
 
Shane Messenger (MSU) averaged 37 yards on eight punts, including three downed inside the 20 and a 46-yard long against Yale. 
 
Adrian Olivo (NCCU) converted on all seven extra-point attempts, including the game-winning PAT in overtime against Campbell. 
 
Torricelli Simpkins III (NCCU) recorded a team-best block grade of 90 percent with six pancake blocks as the Eagles amassed 447 yards of total offense, including 182 yards on the ground in the win over Campbell. 
 
Jamel Stewart (HOW) registered four solo tackles, one sack, a pass breakup, and a strip-sack against Robert Morris. 
 
Noah Tracey (NSU) punted six times for 217 yards, 36.2 average, including one punt downed at the five-yard line against North Carolina A&T. 
 
Ian Wheeler (HOW) produced 214 all-purpose yards, including an 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, in the road win over Robert Morris.