Virginia Union University's Jada Byers has been named the CIAA Offensive Back of the Week and teammate Larry Hackey has been named the CIAA Special Teams Player of the Week for their performance in VUU's 77-0 season-opening win over Virginia University at Lynchburg on Thursday, September 1, the CIAA announced on Tuesday, September 6.
Byers, a sophomore running back from Hammonton, N.J., majoring in Social Work, led the entire conference with 172 all-purpose yards, tallying 98 rushing yards, 45 receiving, and 29 through punt returns. On the ground, he had 15 carries for an average of 6.5 yards per carry, plus a touchdown. The sophomore back also had four catches, one of which went for a 27-yard touchdown. His two first-half scores and the eight first downs he generated led to a 35-0 halftime lead over Virginia University of Lynchburg.
To open the second half of the Panthers' 77-0 win against Virginia University of Lynchburg, Hackey returned the kickoff 70 yards for a touchdown. His return was the only kick or punt return touchdown in the CIAA this week. The Gaithersburg, Md., native who is a sophomore majoring in Business Management, also had a reception for 10 yards.
"I'm proud of both of those guys," said VUU Head Football Coach Dr. Alvin Parker. "Both of those guys are sophomore, so the future looks pretty bright when it comes to those two guys. Hackey has been working real hard, and Jada's a household name. He played really well without a whole lot of action. Just to see Larry make that play right after halftime proved what his capabilities are. We knew what he could do, but to see him do that on the film is something that we're really happy about."
Original source can be found here.
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