NASHVILLE, Tenn. --- Tusculum senior linebacker Matt Simon has been named the College Football Defensive Player of the Week by the Tennessee Sportswriters Association.                             

Simon, a native of Lithonia, Georgia, scored two defensive touchdowns in Tusculum's 30-24 overtime loss at Limestone in Saturday's South Atlantic Conference opener.  He was also tabbed as the SAC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts.                                                     

Simon's first touchdown came when he scooped up a fumble with one hand and returned it for a 20-yard TD in the first half.                      

In the fourth quarter with the score tied 17-17, Simon returned an interception for a 29-yard touchdown, his second score of the game. 

Simon becomes the first player in program history to return both an interception and a fumble for a touchdown in the same game.  He would finish the game with seven tackles on the night as the Pioneers forced six turnovers by the Saints.

Tusculum (1-2, 0-1 SAC) steps out of conference play this week with a road contest at UNC Pembroke, slated for 7 p.m. this Saturday night.