Benedict College leads the way with three honorees as the conference recognizes five standout performers.
The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) has announced its football weekly honors for October 20, recognizing five student-athletes for their performances on the gridiron.
Benedict College leads the latest awards with three selections, while Tuskegee University and Kentucky State University each have one honoree.
The weekly awards recognize outstanding performances across the conference in offensive production, defensive play, special teams and newcomer contributions.
SIAC Football Weekly Honors
Offensive Player of the Week
David Smith — Benedict College
- Position: Running back
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Houston, Texas
Smith earns Offensive Player of the Week honors for Benedict College. The senior running back is among the key offensive contributors for the Tigers. In the Tigers’ 45-24 spanking of Edward Waters, Smith racked up 106 yards and a pair of scores on just 12 attempts.
Defensive Player of the Week
Masiah Wells — Tuskegee University
- Position: Defensive lineman
- Class: Fifth-year
- Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
Wells takes home Defensive Player of the Week recognition. In the Golden Tigers 17-14 over Albany State, the Jacksonville, FL native put together his best game of the season, tying his season high with 8 stops ( 5 solo, 3 assisted) while adding 4.5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks.
Co-Special Teams Players of the Week
Forest Gantz — Kentucky State University
- Position: Kicker/punter
- Class: Sophomore
- Hometown: Dayton, Ohio
Gantz shares the special teams award after going 2-2 on field goals (22, 31) and 7-7 on PATs in Kentucky State’s 55-22 win over Lane College. The sophomore also handled punting duties, recording 162 yards across his 4 boots, including a game-long 59 yards.
Chris Butler — Benedict College
- Position: Wide receiver
- Class: Sophomore
- Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
Butler joins Gantz as a co-recipient of the SIAC’s Special Teams Player of the Week award. The Baltimore , MS recorded 132 yards in three kick returns, including a 76-yard house call.
Newcomer of the Week
David Makonzo — Benedict College
- Position: Linebacker
- Class: Freshman
- Hometown: Lachine, Quebec, Canada
The freshman linebacker paced Benedict with 10 tackles, while also adding a half sack in the Tigers’ 45-24 win over Edward Waters.
