BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee at Martin tandem of running back Sam Franklin and linebacker Chris Hunter, Jr. were rewarded for their standout performances in last week’s win over North Alabama by being named Big South-OVC Football Association Players of the Week.
A 5-10 running back from Little Rock, Ark., Franklin has posted an impressive season to date with his second 200-yard rushing performance in three weeks notching a career-high 32 carries for 221 yards and a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns in last week’s comeback victory at UNA. His 221 yards ranked ninth in the program’s single-game history while recording the fourth multi-touchdown performance of his young career. His big 74-yard touchdown gave the Skyhawks some breathing room while a 43-yard touchdown in the final two minutes put the win on ice.
Franklin picked up his second Big South-OVC Offensive Player of the Week honor of the season. The speedster currently leads FCS in both rushing yards (653) and rushing yards per game (163.2) while also sitting fourth nationally with six rushing touchdowns.
A 6-1 linebacker from Knoxville, Tenn., Hunter posted a breakout performance as the Skyhawk defense posted a second-half shutout to highlight a comeback win on the road last week. He ranked amongst team leaders with six tackles – including a half tackle for loss – while his interception and 11-yard return in the fourth quarter sealed the team’s road win. This marks the first Big South-OVC Defensive Player of the Week honor of his career.
The Skyhawks return to action this weekend when playing host to Big South-OVC rival Tennessee State on Saturday, Sept. 30.
