Record-setting performances earned University of Mary Hardin-Baylor football players Tevin Jones and Bryce Wilkerson American Southwest Conference Player of the Week honors. Jones was named ASC Football Co-Defensive Player of the Week and Wilkerson claimed ASC Football Special Teams Player of the Week honors. The Cru duo was recognized for their performances in UMHB’s 31-21 win over East Texas Baptist in Saturday’s regular season finale.
Jones, a junior linebacker from Belton High School, set a new UMHB single-game record with 19 total tackles against the Tigers. He finished with 11 solo tackles and added 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and one pass break-up. Jones broke the previous school record of 18 tackles in a game held by three different players.
Wilkerson, a senior wide receiver/kick returner from Tyler Lee High School, returned a punt 40 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter to set a new UMHB career record with five punt returns for scores. Wilkerson also has four kickoff returns for touchdowns and the nine combined kick returns for scores tie the ASC record set by Jessie Ramos of Hardin-Simmons University. Wilkerson also caught five passes for 45 yards and another touchdown in the victory
This is the second consecutive ASC Player of the Week honor and the third overall this season for both Jones and Wilkerson. The Cru won its 15th ASC title and closed out the regular season with a 10-0 overall record and UMHB went 9-0 in ASC play. The Cru will now advance to the NCAA Division III National Championships for the 16th time in program history and will find out its first round opponent when the 32-team playoff field is announced Sunday afternoon.
