FOOTBALL
ASU's Taylor finalist for Wuerffel award
Arkansas State University senior cornerback and return specialist Blaise Taylor was named Monday as one of three finalists for the Wuerffel Trophy, which is presented annually as "college football's premier award for community service."
The winner will be announced Dec. 5.
A two-time All-Sun Belt Conference selection, Taylor is the only current FBS player to earn both his bachelor's and master's degrees before the start of his true senior season. Taylor has been heavily involved in community service and recently created a nonprofit organization with his sister, ASU sophomore women's basketball guard Starr Taylor, titled "The Power of 1 or 2."
Rolland-Jones earns SBC honor
Arkansas State senior defensive end Ja'Von Rolland-Jones was named the Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Week after helping the Red Wolves to a 30-12 victory over Texas State on Saturday.
Rolland-Jones recorded 3.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, a quarterback hurry and had a forced fumble as he helped the Red Wolves limit the Bobcats to 12 points and 188 yards of total offense. His seven tackles were tied for the most on the team, and it also marked the fourth time this season he has posted at least two sacks in a game.
VOLLEYBALL
Golden Suns head to Minnesota for regional
Arkansas Tech University will meet Southwest Minnesota State (28-3) in the first round of the NCAA Division II Central Regional in Marshall, Minn., on Nov. 30.
Arkansas Tech (35-0), one of two undefeated teams in Division II, was seeded eighth in the region.
BASKETBALL
UAFS' Thomas earns conference award
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith senior guard DaVaunta Thomas was named Heartland Conference Player of the Week for his performances during last week's victories against Randall University and Pittsburg State.
Thomas averaged 18 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 blocked shot per game. He also shot 55 percent from the field, 33 percent from three-point range and 69 percent from the free-throw line.
He scored a career-high 27 points and had a career-high 14 rebounds in the Lions' 104-95 victory Saturday against Pittsburg State.
Sports on 11/21/2017