NASHVILLE, Tenn. --- Tusculum University cornerback Dee Alford has been named the College Football Defensive Player of the Week by the Tennessee Sportswriters Association.
Alford, a senior from Griffin, Georgia established a pair of school record with his two interceptions and his seven passes defended, both TU single-game marks in Tusculum's 24-7 South Atlantic Conference victory over Mars Hill University last Saturday.
The two-time All-Conference cornerback was assigned the task in defending reigning SAC Offensive Player of the Year Craig Rucker. Alford limited Rucker to four catches for 59 yards, well below his SAC leading averages in receptions (8.8 rpg) and receiving yards (124.0 ypg). For his efforts, he was also tabbed the AstroTurf SAC Defensive Player of the Week for a second time this season.
Alford finished the game with four tackles (3 solos, 1 assist) while recording his fourth and fifth interceptions of the season. His 10 career interceptions are third in school history, while his 195 INT return yards and 39 career passes defended are new Tusculum records.
Tusculum (5-5, 4-3 SAC) closes out its season this weekend as they travel to Jefferson City to face arch-rival Carson-Newman University (7-2, 5-2 SAC). Kick-off Saturday is slated for 1 p.m. from Burke-Tarr Stadium. The Pioneers have won four in a row and are vying for its first winning season since 2014.