By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – As the fall started, it looked like it was going to be a breakout season for Tennessee Tech senior running back Deven Sullivan.

But during the Kennesaw State game, Sullivan had a season-ending injury, curtailing those hopes.

However, that hasn't deterred him.

Through all of it, Sullivan continues to support his teammates and cheer them on, whether it's through practice or during the games.

That's why Sullivan is the recipient of the September Unsung Leader Award.

The Unsung Leader Award is selected from student-athletes, who have been nominated by their coaching staff, for exemplifying outstanding leadership qualities during the past month. The leadership can be shown on the field, in the weight room, at practice, in the classroom, in study hall, on campus, in the community or for a student club or organization.

The award honors a varsity student-athlete who has made a positive impact on their team and the Tennessee Tech community as a whole, through his or her dedication to demonstrating leadership traits, such as:

• Keep learning, growing and improving;
• Follow through with excellence
• Accomplish more than expected
• Inspire and motivate others.

In the case of Sullivan, he has certainly motivated his teammates.

"He truly embraces the term 'Team'!" said Tech head football coach Dewayne Alexander. "He truly leads by example and puts the team first."

Even after his injury against Kennesaw State, Sullivan has been a presence for the team.

"Deven has been at every practice and every game, supporting his teammates," Alexander said. "He drove his own vehicle down to Jacksonville State to support the team and be in the locker room with them."

Photo by Thomas Corhern