Tusculum’s Russell, Mars Hill’s Johnson, Wingate’s Cotton Named Football Players Of The Week

ROCK HILL, S.C. -- The South Atlantic Conference Football Players of the Week have been announced for the week ending Oct. 11, 2008. Tusculum quarterback Corey Russell was named the SAC Offensive Player of the Week, while Mars Hill linebacker Zach Johnson was named the SAC Defensive Player of the Week. Wingate return specialist Antonio Cotton was named the SAC Special Teams Player of the Week.

Russell, a 6-4, 190-pound senior from Speedwell, Tenn., accounted for six of his team's eight touchdowns in Tusculum's 55-42 win over Brevard. Russell passed for four touchdowns and ran for two. He went 22-for-29 for 328 passing yards, while also churning out 73 yards on seven carries. This marks the fourth time this season Russell has been named the SAC Offensive Player of the Week. His 401 yards of total offense marks the second time this year he has eclipsed the 400-yard mark. He has passed for over 300 yards in five straight games and the 11th time in his career.

Corey Russell

Zach Johnson

Antonio Cotton

Johnson, a 6-2, 230-pound sophomore from Newland, N.C., was Mars Hill's leader on defense as the Lions posted a 27-6 win over No. 25 Newberry. Johnson tallied nine tackles, including a pair of sacks and an interception. His pick led the Lions to their first score of the game. He also accounted for a pair of quarterback hurries and a pass break-up.

Cotton, a 6-1, 165-pound junior from Tampa, Fla., returned a punt for 71 yards and a touchdown in Wingate's 35-27 win over Lenoir-Rhyne. He also made five receptions for 89 yards, giving him 160 all-purpose yards on the day. Wingate is 7-0 for the first time in school history and ranked No. 15 in NCAA Division II.

The South Atlantic Conference Football Players of the Week are selected by a vote of the league's sports information directors.