Pair of Norfolk-based QBs earn national honors

Pair of Norfolk-based QBs earn national honors

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Bryant wide receiver Jordan Harris, Norfolk State quarterback Chris Walley, Villanova cornerback Jimmy Pitts, Montana kicker Brody McKnight and Old Dominion quarterback Taylor Heinicke have been named The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS National Players of Week 10 for games ending Nov. 5.
CO-OFFENSIVE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Jordan Harris, Bryant, Sophomore, 6-2, 200, WR, Lincoln University, PA
With his team trailing at halftime, Harris took control of the second half and helped lead the Bulldogs to a 31-17 victory against Northeast Conference leader Albany. While collecting 178 of his 224 receiving yards in the second half, Harris scored on connections of 34 and 66 yards in the third quarter, the second of which proved to be the game-winner. Harris is tied for the team lead in receptions with 34 and has compiled 780 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
Chris Walley, Norfolk State, Senior, 6-2, 200, QB, Tallahassee, FL
Walley accounted for 343 yards of total offense and five touchdowns, leading Norfolk State to a 45-3 victory over Savannah State and at least a share of its first-ever MEAC championship. Completing 20-of-25 attempts for 271 yards, Walley tossed touchdowns of 31, 2 and 45 yards. The senior was also a running threat, carrying the ball four times for 72 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Walley scored on a 17-yard scamper in the first quarter and added a 52-yard score early in the third quarter.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jimmy Pitts, Villanova, Senior, 6-0, 185, CB, Montclair, NJ
Pitts became the first player in the FCS this season to intercept three passes in a game, helping Villanova to a 35-17 CAA Football win against Massachusetts. Pitts picked off a pair of second-quarter passes on back-to- back series, which helped set up a pair of touchdowns. His final interception came with 4:36 remaining, when he came down with the ball in the end zone and ended any chance of a UMass comeback. Through 10 games, Pitts leads Villanova with five interceptions.
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Brody McKnight, Montana, Senior, K/P, 6-0, 204, Vancouver, BC
McKnight set the school record for field goals, converting on all six attempts in a 32-7 win against Western Oregon. The senior kicker scored Montana' first 15 points, connecting on attempts of 24, 21, 51, 30 and 36 yards. He then set the record with a 24-yarder with 8:30 remaining in the fourth quarter. Handling the punting duties as well, McKnight punted five times for 206 yards, averaging 41.2 yards per punt and twice pinning Western Oregon inside its 20- yard line.
FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
Taylor Heinicke, Old Dominion, Freshman, 6-1, 190, QB, Atlanta, GA
Five days after he was named to the Jerry Rice Award (sponsored by Fathead.com) Watch List, Heinicke proved he belonged with a career-high 373 yards and three touchdown passes, in a 48-23 CAA win against Richmond. Connecting for touchdowns of 14 and 29 yards in the first half, Heinicke helped the Monarchs to an early lead and then put the game away by leading a pair of long scoring drives in the fourth quarter.