Sept. 2, 2002

SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE NAMES FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK Sept. 1, 2002

PLANO, Texas - Tony Tompkins rolled up over 200 yards of all-purpose yardage in a loss during his collegiate debut for Stephen F. Austin State University. The performance earned him Southland Conference offensive football player of the week honors. Roderick Royal of McNeese State picked up defensive honors while Steven Lee of Jackonsville State is the special teams choice. Following is a look at each of their performances.

OFFENSIVE

Tony Tompkins, Stephen F. Austin, RB, 5-8, 165, Fr., Port Arthur, Texas

Tompkins made his collegiate debut Saturday night against 17th ranked Portland State and amassed 207 yards of all-purpose yardage. Tompkins rushed the ball 19 times for 71 yards and two touchdowns, added eight receptions for 47 yards and returned four kicks for 88 yards. Tompkins also had two punt returns for a one-yard net. Tompkins had 27 touches from scrimmage, taking part in almost 33 percent of the 'Jacks plays from scrimmage (27-82, .329)

DEFENSIVE

Roderick Royal, McNeese State, LB, Jr., Baton Rouge

In his first game for the Cowboys (transfer from Florida) he led the way with eight tackles, five of which were unassisted. He had two sacks for a minus 15 yards and he forced a fumble as McNeese dominated Grambling. McNeese held Grambling to minus seven yards rushing on 24 attempts. A total of 154 of Grambling's 206 total yards came on three touchdown passes.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Steven Lee, Jacksonville State, PK, 6-0, 178, Jr., Citronelle, Ala.

Lee kicked a 41-yard field goal with just one second left in the game to give the Gamecocks a 20-17 win over Alabama A&M. It was his second field goal of the fourth quarter, the junior nailed a 33-yarder with 7:38 remaining to cut the lead to 17-9. Lee has now hit at least one field goal in each of the past eight games and has now hit 10 of his last 12 field goals.