VIDEO: Montel Presley Interview
ROCK HILL, S.C. – Carson-Newman defensive tackle Montel Presley (Bushnell, Fla.) has been recognized for his efforts in Carson-Newman's 31-18 win over No. 23 Catawba, Saturday, with an AstorTurf South Atlantic Conference Defensive Player of the Week plaudit, the league office announced Monday afternoon.
Presley becomes the second defensive lineman to win the award this year and the first C-N player recognized as a defensive player of the week since Jason Williams tallied a recognition in week 10 of the 2015 season. Presley is the first Eagle lineman to be recognized the with league's weekly honor since 2011 when Zeke Andrews brought one home following a win over Brevard.
When you bring in @SAC_Athletics Player of the Week honors. pic.twitter.com/WvFgdfjnnI
— C-N Football (@cnfootball) October 2, 2017
The sophomore tackle was instrumental in shutting down the conference's top offensive attack in then-No. 23 Catawba. The Eagles held the Indians 120 yards and 21 points below their season averages. Discounting Catawba's two scoring drives, The Indians gained 149 yards on 46 plays, a mere 3.2 yards per play.
Presley led the charge up the middle, collecting a season-high nine tackles, a career-high 2.5 tackles for loss, plus a sack.
The contest marked the second time in his career that Presley led his team in tackles. He forced Catawba to lose 20 yards with his stops behind the line of scrimmage.
When Montel Presley comes through. Just get out of the way. Congrats to the sophomore on @SAC_Athletics Player of the Week honors. pic.twitter.com/mBdqdwlZuo
— C-N Athletics (@CNathletics) October 2, 2017
Presley and the rest of the Eagles are in action Saturday at Limestone. Kickoff with the Saints is set for 6 p.m. Coverage of the contest will be available on the Eagle Sports Network starting at 5 with the AEC Tailgate Show on Joy 620 (WRJZ-AM, Knoxville), Mountain Country 106.3 (WPFT-FM, Sevierville) and online at cneagles.com/live.