NORFOLK, Va., Sept. 11, 2023 – Norfolk State junior quarterback Otto Kuhns was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Football Offensive Player of the Week, presented by Coca-Cola. Morgan State senior defensive back Jordan Toles earned Defensive Player of the Week honors, while Morgan State freshman Shane Messenger was named Rookie of the Week. Howard’s Da-Metrius Weatherspoon received Offensive Lineman of the Week accolades, and North Carolina Central punter Juan Velarde was named Specialist of the Week.
 
Kuhns (QB, 6-3, 194, Jr., Carroll, Ohio) connected on 15 of 20 passes for 199 yards with three touchdown passes of 41, 38, and 9 yards in a 31-23 win against Hampton. He also rushed four times for 15 yards.
 
Toles (DB, 6-1, 209, Sr., Baltimore, Md.) collected two key interceptions during the Bears’ upset bid against the Akron Zips. He also recorded five tackles, two solo, a part of the Bears’ defense that garnered a shutout in the third quarter. 
 
Messenger (P, 6-0, 200, Fr., Alexandria, Va.) averaged 35.2 yards on six punts, including one downed inside the 20 yard-line. He recorded a game-high 46-yard kick.
 
Weatherspoon (OL, 6-7, 335, r-So., Clarion, Pa.) graded out on 91-percent of his blocking assignments as he aided Howard to 613 yards of total offense against Morehouse. He recorded three pancake blocks without giving up any sacks and no penalties.
 
Velarde P, 5-10, 200, Jr., Anderson, S.C.) averaged 43.8 yards per boot, placing four punts inside the 20-yard line, including two at the 3-yard line in the victory against North Carolina A&T State.
 
Other Top Performers
 
Kasey Hawthrone (HOW) rushed for 110 yards on five carries with two touchdowns against Morehouse. He also caught two passes for 21 yards.
 
Carson Hinton (HOW) recorded a game-high nine tackles, six solo, in the victory over Morehouse.
 
Jayden Flaker (NCCU) registered nine tackles, four solo, including a strip sack and fumble recovery to set up an Eagle score against North Carolina A&T.
 
Davius Richard (NCCU) amassed 222 total yards, including 95 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
 
Da’Quan Thomas (NCCU) recorded a blocking grade of 82 percent with four pancake blocks as NCCU amassed 345 yards of total offense, including 218 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
 
Joseph White (NSU) notched five total tackles, with three solo, including an interception in the final minutes of the games to seal the victory over Hampton.