Story courtesy of Conference USA
Photo courtesy of UAB Athletics
After continuing his recent tear with 184 yards and two touchdowns in a win over Marshall, UAB sophomore RB Darrin Reaves has been named the Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week. The Defensive Player of the Week went to Tulsa senior DE Cory Dorris, who recovered a fumble and scored on an interception return in a victory at Houston. Special teams recognition was given to UAB junior PR Jackie Williams, who had a punt return for a touchdown in the Blazers' win over Marshall. C-USA Football Players of the Week are voted on by a panel of the league's media.
Reaves turned in his third straight stellar game as he rushed for 184 yards on 32 attempts with a pair of touchdowns in UAB's 38-31 victory over Marshall. Reaves, who had 124 yards on the ground in the second half, also had a game-high six receptions for 37 yards to total 221 all-purpose yards. In the past three games, Reaves has run for 573 yards (191.0 avg.) and seven touchdowns. His two rushing TDs Saturday increase his total to 13 for the season and also set a UAB record for a single-season. Reaves now has 928 yards on the season (2nd-highest total in C-USA). He leads the league in rushing for conference games only (124.2 per game).
In a 41-7 road victory at Houston, Dorris came up big for the Golden Hurricane defense in shutting down one of the nation's top passing offenses. He registered six tackles, two of which were quarterback sacks that totaled 16 yards of lost yardage. He was on the receiving end of two of Houston's four turnovers. Dorris recovered Houston's lone fumble and intercepted his first career pass, which he returned 22 yards for a touchdown.
Williams returned a punt 79 yards for a touchdown for UAB's first score and to get the Blazers off and running as they built a 31-7 lead on their way to a 38-31 victory over visiting Marshall. Williams improved his season average 10.23 yards per return to rank No. 27 in the country. As a wide receiver, Williams extended his streak to 33 games with at least one reception, among the eight-longest streaks in the nation.