By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – With the first week of the college football season in the books for all of Division I, awards are rolling out for top performances. Tennessee Tech claimed a Big South-Ohio Valley Conference Football Association weekly award on Monday as punter Spencer Ashby was named the league's Freshman of the Week.
In his first appearance with the Golden Eagles, the specialist from Geelong, Australia, put together a solid performance averaging 38.8 yards per attempt in his four tries. He had a game-long punt of 47 yards despite damp conditions and put two of his punts inside the Middle Tennessee 20-yard line.
Ashby was also a nominee for the conference's Special Teams Player of the Week. Tennessee State kicker James Lowery (2-for-2 field goals, 5-for-5 PATs, 11 points, eight kickoffs with two touchbacks) was the weekly winner.
The conference's Offensive Player of the Week honor went to Tennessee State quarterback Draylen Ellis, who threw for 356 yards and three touchdowns on 21-of-33 passing in the Tigers' 41-21 victory over Mississippi Valley State in the annual John Merrit Classic. Tech quarterback Jordyn Potts (27-38-0, three touchdowns) was also nominated.
Charleston Southern's Steve Zayachkowsky was named the Defensive Player of the Week as the linebacker recorded eight tackles – all solo – with a sack, a forced fumble and a quarterback hurry in the Buccaneers' 22-21 loss against The Citadel. Tech defensive back Caldra Williford (seven tackles – five solo, one TFL and a 10-yard interception) was also nominated.
The Golden Eagles return to action on Saturday as they head to Athens, Ga., to take on top-ranked Georgia at 2 p.m. Eastern, 1 p.m. Central.
Season tickets for Tennessee Tech Football are on sale now – call (931) 372-3940, visit the Hooper Eblen Center ticket office or order online at TTUsports.com.
Photo | Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
