MEAC Unveils Weekly Football Awards, Sponsored by Coca-Cola

NORFOLK, Va., September 25, 2023 – The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) has announced its weekly football honors, presented by Coca-Cola, showcasing outstanding performances on the gridiron.

Walker Harris, the quarterback from North Carolina Central (NCCU), emerged as the MEAC Football Offensive Player of the Week. Harris, hailing from Rolesville, N.C., and standing at 6 feet 1 inch tall, passed for an impressive 263 yards and achieved a remarkable five touchdown passes, marking a record-breaking feat not seen in NCCU football for 18 years. His stellar performance contributed significantly to NCCU's convincing 45-3 victory over Mississippi Valley State in the Circle City Classic. Harris, who completed 17 of 28 passes, also exhibited his prowess as a rusher, amassing 32 yards on the ground while maintaining an impressive 8.0 yards per carry average.

In the defensive arena, Morgan State's Elijah Williams, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound defensive lineman from Jersey City, N.J., secured the title of Defensive Player of the Week. Williams showcased his defensive prowess by tallying an impressive 10 tackles, with nine of them being solo, in a hard-fought double-overtime clash against UAlbany. His performance included four tackles for a loss and two sacks, and he also managed to force a crucial fumble.

Rookie of the Week honors went to Norfolk State's Michael Rijo, a 6-foot-1, 225-pound linebacker from Virginia Beach, Va. Rijo made a notable impact with four solo tackles, three of them resulting in a loss of 18 yards, and two sacks. Additionally, he contributed with two quarterback hurries in the Spartans' triumph over Towson.

The MEAC also recognized outstanding linemen, with NCCU's Torricelli Simpkins III earning Offensive Lineman of the Week. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 320 pounds, Simpkins III amassed an incredible 12 pancake blocks while maintaining a stellar blocking grade of 93 percent. His outstanding performance played a pivotal role as NCCU piled up 416 yards of total offense and secured a commanding 45-3 victory over Mississippi Valley State.

The Specialist of the Week title was awarded to Adrian Olivo, a kicker from NCCU. Olivo, hailing from Plant City, Fla., with a height of 5 feet 11 inches and a weight of 195 pounds, contributed nine crucial points to his team's success. His performance included a career-long 47-yard field goal and six successful extra-point kicks during the victory over Mississippi Valley State.

In addition to the honorees, several other standout performers made their mark during the week's matchups, showcasing their skills and dedication on the field. As the MEAC conference season unfolds, football fans eagerly anticipate witnessing more extraordinary performances from these talented athletes. The MEAC promises to deliver an exciting season filled with memorable moments and exceptional football action.

Stay tuned to see what else the MEAC conference brings to the season.