NORFOLK, Va.,(November 7, 2023) – South Carolina State freshman running back Jawarn Howell was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Player of the Week, while junior offensive lineman Nick Taiste was named MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Week presented by Coca-Cola.
Howell (RB, 6-2, 215, Fr., Mooresville, N.C.) recorded a career-high 283 yards rushing on 27 carries with three touchdowns in a 27-24 win over Howard. The true freshman has rushed for 100-yards or more in four straight games for the Bulldogs this season.
Taiste (OL, 6-2, 295, West Columbia, S.C.) graded out at 95 percent of all blocking assignments as he anchored the Bulldogs offensive line that accounted for 457 yards of total offense, including 438 yards on the ground. He also accounted for six pancake blocks.
Others earning honors were, North Carolina Central’s Kole Jones earned Defensive Player of the Week honors, while Morgan State’s Tahj Smith was named Rookie of the Week and N.C. Central’s Adrian Olivo received Specialist of the Week accolades, respectively.
Other Top Performers
Aaron Bickerton (Howard) nailed a 24-yard field goal while downing two punts inside the 20 against South Carolina State.
Clayton Perrin (Howard) produced seven solo tackles with an interception and forced fumble against South Carolina State.
Quinton Williams (Howard) threw for two touchdowns, completing 16-of-29 passes for 193 yards against South Carolina State.
Elijah Williams (Morgan State) recorded a forced fumble and collected seven tackles, with 1.5 sacks for a two-yard loss against Delaware State.
Baron Franks (Norfolk State) led the offensive line that posted 372 yards of offense, with 236 yards through the air and 136 yards on the ground against N.C. Central.
A.J. Richardson (Norfolk State) collected seven tackles, five solo, with one for a loss of three yards and one forced and one recovered fumble against N.C. Central.
Cameron Sapp (Norfolk State) connected on 14-of-30 passes with 192 yards and two touchdowns against N.C. Central.
Davius Richard (N.C. Central) accounted for four touchdowns with three passing and one rushing. He threw for 151 yards on 9-of-15 passes with three touchdowns and rushed 10 times for 50 yards and one TD on the ground.
Torricelli Simpkins III (N.C. Central) received a grade of 81 percent and recorded four pancake blocks as he led the Eagle’s offense that collected 320 yards of total offense against N.C. Central.
Naejuan Barber (S.C. State) recorded three sacks for an 11-yard loss in the win over Howard.
