Rucker named SAC Offensive Player of the Week

ROCK HILL, S.C. (TheSAC.com) – The South Atlantic Conference announced its AstroTurf Football Players of the Week for games played during week seven of the 2019 season.  Mars Hill wide receiver Craig Rucker was tabbed as the Offensive Player of the Week, while Tusculum linebacker Jackson Cauthen was named the Defensive Player of the Week, and Tusculum kicker Eli Shepherd picked up Special Teams Player of the Week honors.

Rucker, a senior from Orlando, Fla., led the Lions to a 55-28 win over Catawba. He accounted for four of the team's touchdowns; catching two, rushing for one and taking a punt return 84-yards for a TD. He finished the game with 308 all-purpose yards; including 145 receiving yards and 166 return yards. This is Rucker's first offensive player of the week award this season.

Cauthen, a sophomore from Murfreesboro, Tenn., was instrumental in the Pioneers' 23-20 win over UNC Pembroke. He had eight tackles, including five solo tackles, a sack and 2.5 tackles for loss. He also forced a fumble and returned an interception 31 yards for a touchdown. Cauthen also came up with a huge four-and-one stop in the final minute of play to secure the Pioneer victory. This is his first defensive player of the week honor this season.

Shepherd, a freshman from Greeneville, Tenn., was perfect on his kicks last week, as he accounted for 11 of the Pioneers' 23 points in their win over UNC Pembroke. He was 3-for-3 in field goals, connecting on kicks from 35, 45 and 18 yards. He also was 2-for-2 on extra points. His final field goal of the day broke a 20-20 tie and led to the eventual Tusculum win. This is Shepherd's first special teams player of the week accolade of the year.

2019 SAC AstroTurf Football Players of the Week

Offensive Player of the Week
Sept. 9 – Shaw Crocker, Wingate
Sept. 16 – Jerko'ya Patton, Limestone
Sept. 23 – Jimmy Urzua, Mars Hill
Sept. 30 – Jace Jordan, Lenoir-Rhyne
Oct. 7 – Troy Dendy, Carson-Newman
Oct. 14 – Ameen Stevens, Lenoir-Rhyne
Oct. 21 – Chance Walker, Newberry
Oct. 28 – Craig Rucker, Mars Hill 

Defensive Player of the Week
Sept. 9 – Rondrow Peebles, Carson-Newman
Sept. 16 – Landon Scott, Lenoir-Rhyne
Sept. 23 – Nigel Bowden, Mars Hill
Sept. 30 – Eric Jackson, Lenoir-Rhyne
Oct. 7 – Mannie Ogletree, Limestone
Oct. 14 – Rondrow Peebles, Carson-Newman
Oct. 21 – Dee Alford, Tusculum
Oct. 28 – Jackson Cauthen, Tusculum 

Special Teams Player of the Week
Sept. 9 – Demetrius Mann, UVa-Wise
Sept. 16 – McLean Robertson, Wingate
Sept. 23 – McLean Robertson, Wingate
Sept. 30  - Thurlow Wilkins, Tusculum
Oct. 7 – Kyle Dugger, Lenoir-Rhyne
Oct. 14 – Nate Craft, Carson-Newman
Oct. 21 – Michael Owen, Lenoir-Rhyne
Oct. 28 – Eli Shepherd, Tusculum

AstroTurf is an official corporate partner of the South Atlantic Conference and title sponsor of the Conference's Player of the Week awards program.