UWA’s Willis named GSC Player of the Week

BIRMINGHAM – West Alabama running back Matt Willis, North Alabama linebacker Tavarius Wilson and West Georgia return specialist Denarius Appling are the Gulf South Conference Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for the period ending September 2.

A Harlon Hill Trophy candidate and preseason All-America choice, Willis earned his third career player of the week honor after leading UWA to a 44-0 shutout at in-region, SIAC foe Clark Atlanta. The senior combined for 236 total yards and three touchdowns in just three quarters of action. The Collins, Miss., native ran for 163 yards and two TDs on 15 carries (10.9 average) and he also hauled in two passes for 73 yards and another score. Willis’ rushing efforts moved him into fifth place in the UWA record books and just 104 yards away from fourth place.

UWA, ranked No. 13 in the AFCA Division II poll, plays at FCS opponent Samford Saturday at 6 p.m.