Tusculum’s Russell, Thompson, Mars Hill’s Pinkerton Named Football Players Of The Week

November 10, 2008

ROCK HILL, S.C. --- The South Atlantic Conference Football Players of the Week have been announced for the week ending Nov. 8, 2008. Tusculum quarterback Corey Russell was named the SAC Offensive Player of the Week, while TC defensive back Jeremy Thompson garnered SAC Defensive Player of the Week recognition. Mars Hill placekicker Michael Pinkerton was named the SAC Special Teams Player of the Week to round out this week's honorees.

Russell, a 6-4, 190-pound senior from Speedwell, Tenn., accounted for five touchdowns as the Pioneers upset 15th-ranked Carson-Newman, 45-44. With the win, Tusculum claimed a share of its second South Atlantic Conference championship.

Corey Russell

Jeremy Thompson

The Harlon Hill Trophy regional finalist passed for 345 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 43 yards and three scores. The Cumberland Gap High School graduate also tied a NCAA Division II record with his ninth game this season with over 300 yards total offense. He established a new SAC single-season record with his 4,125 total offensive yards, which are presently the seventh most in NCAA II history. Russell earns this honor for a sixth time this season.

Thompson, a 6-0, 200-pound senior from Rome, Ga., recovered three Carson-Newman turnovers, including a 55-yard fumble return for the game-winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter. On the day, he finished with two fumble recoveries, the first he returned 31 yards to the C-N to set up Tusculum's first touchdown. His 55-yard return broke a 38-38 tie with 4:24 left in the game.

Pinkerton, a 5-9, 155-pound freshman from Bogart, Ga., was perfect in his six extra point attempts and connected on a 25-yard field goal in Mars Hill's 45-42 upset win at No. 22 Wingate. Pinkerton, who earns his second SAC Player of the Week nod this year, recorded nine points in the win.

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