ROCK HILL, S.C. --- Tusculum's University's Jackson Cauthen and Eli Shepherd have been named the AstroTurf South Atlantic Conference Football Players of the Week. Cauthen was named the SAC Defensive Player of the Week while Shepherd garnered Special Teams Player of the Week accolades.
Cauthen, a 6-1, 220-pound sophomore linebacker from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was instrumental in the Pioneers' 23-20 win over UNC Pembroke. He finished with eight tackles, including five solo tackles, a sack and 2.5 tackles for loss. He also forced a fumble and returned an interception 31 yards for a touchdown. Cauthen also came up with a huge fourth-and-one stop in the final minute of play to secure the Pioneer victory.
Shepherd, a 6-0, 220-pound freshman placekicker from Greeneville, Tennessee, was perfect on his kicks last week, as he accounted for 11 of the Pioneers' 23 points in their win over UNCP. He went 3-for-3 in field goals, connecting on kicks from 35, 45 and 18 yards. He also was 2-for-2 on extra points. His final field goal of the day broke a 20-20 tie and led to the eventual Tusculum win.
Cauthen has the team lead with his 10 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles this year. He is second on the team with 54 total tackles including a pair of sacks.
Shepherd's 11-point performance on Saturday is tied for the 10th most in Tusculum history. He is tied for the team-lead with 30 points going 18-of-19 in extra points and 4-of-5 on field goals.
Tusculum (3-5, 2-3 SAC) returns to conference play this Saturday when they host Catawba for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff from Pioneer Field.
