By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – Freshman Devin Squires already has a rich family legacy with the Tennessee Tech football team. After all, his father, Thomas Squires, is a TTU Sports Hall of Famer.
But on Saturday, the younger Squires got to do something his father never got the chance to – score a touchdown. Squires, a freshman defensive lineman, scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery, helping pace the Golden Eagles to a 56-13 victory over Virginia-Lynchburg.
Squires was named the Ohio Valley Conference's co-Defensive Player of the Week on Sunday, following a vote of the conference's sports information contacts.
He split the award with Tennessee State's James Green. The linebacker had six tackles and a 47-yard interception return in a 28-0 victory over Eastern Illinois.
Squires ended the day with five tackles, including a tackle-for-loss, half a sack and a quarterback hurry. As Squires and Chris Tucker brought down VUL quarterback Darrius Sample, the visiting QB prepared to throw the ball away, but lost control of it. Jack Warwick picked up the loose ball, then he was hit after a four-or-five-yard pickup. Squires was there to scoop up the ball and took it in for a 19-yard return and his first career touchdown.
The freshman from Kings Mill, Ohio, has had a tremendous second season with the Golden Eagles. He has 27 total tackles, including 8.5 for-loss for 38 yards and 2.5 sacks for 22 yards. He has four quarterback hurries as well. In his career, he has 38 total tackles, 11.5 for-loss for 47 yards and 4.5 sacks for 29 yards.
Austin Peay running back Ahmaad Tanner (148 rushing yards on 20 carries, three TDs) was named the Offensive Player of the Week, Southeast Missouri kicker Kenny Doak (12 points, 3-for-3 FGs, 3 PATs) was the Specialist of the Week and UT Martin quarterback Keon Howard (241 yards total offense, four TDs – two rushing, two passing) was the Newcomer of the Week.
The Golden Eagles are idle this week on their open date, but will return to action on Nov. 6 as they travel to Murray State to continue OVC play.
Photo | Jim Dillon