MEAC Week 8 Football Honors
NORFOLK, Va., - North Carolina A&T State running back Tarik Cohen was selected as the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Offensive Player of the Week, the conference announced today. North Carolina Central linebacker Reggie Hunter was named Defensive Player of the Week.
Florida A&M’s Ryan Stanley earned Rookie of the Week honors, while North Carolina A&T State’s Wes Cole received Offensive Lineman of the Week honors. Teammate Cody Jones was selected as the Specialist of the Week.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Tarik Cohen North Carolina A&T State RB 5-6, 179, Sr. Bunn, N.C.
Cohen notched 5,000 career rushing yards in the 34-7 victory at Howard. He rushed for 133 yards on 20 carries, with one touchdown, and had two receptions for 54 yards and one touchdown. He became the 10th player in FCS history to record four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, second in MEAC history. Cohen has earned the honor five times this season and four consecutive weeks.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Reggie Hunter North Carolina Central LB 6-0, 225, R-Jr. Henderson, N.C.
Hunter recorded eight tackles (four solo), including one tackle for a loss of two yards, in the 21-17 win at Morgan State. He also intercepted two passes in the game. His second interception, with less than 30 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, ended Morgan State’s potential scoring drive and sealed the win for NCCU.
ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
Ryan Stanley Florida A&M QB 6-3, 190, R-Fr. Pembroke Pines, Fla.
Stanley scored two of the Rattlers’ four touchdowns in their 31-14 win versus Hampton. He completed 18-of-31 passes (58.1 percent) for 212 yards. This was his fourth consecutive start without a turnover and second consecutive rookie of the week honor.
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE WEEK
Wes Cole North Carolina A&T State RT 6-6, 335, Sr. Stanley, N.C.
Cole earned a 91-percent grade on his blocking assignments, with five pancake blocks, no penalties and no sacks allowed, as N.C. A&T State finished with 429 yards of offense. He also helped in pass protection as the Aggies completed 14-of-20 passes, with three touchdowns, in the win at Howard.
SPECIALIST OF THE WEEK
Cody Jones North Carolina A&T State 5-11, 141, Sr. Gastonia, N.C.
Jones scored 10 points for the Aggies, as he finished 2-for-2 on field goals and 4-for-4 on extra points in the 34-7 win at Howard. He also had five touchbacks on kickoffs.
