Stats Perform is bringing a greater spotlight to athletes, students and stories at Historically Black Colleges and Universities through a partnership with Urban Edge Network. Included in the 2024 college football season are both HBCU FCS Player and Team of the Week honors and a season-ending HBCU FCS National Player of the Year Award, each presented by HBCU+.
Florida A&M’s Thad Franklin Jr. and the Tennessee State Tigers have been selected as the HBCU+ National Player and Team of the Week, respectively, for FCS college football games in Week 13 this past weekend.
HBCU+ is the popular streaming platform of Urban Edge Network, offering 24/7 access to live and on-demand HBCU sports events, original sports shows, curated films, podcasts and more.
HBCU+ FCS National Awards (Week 13)
National Player of the Week
Thad Franklin Jr., Florida A&M, RB, Sr., 6-1, 230, West Park, Florida
Franklin carried the ball 26 times for 195 yards and three touchdowns – all career highs – as FAMU edged rival Bethune-Cookman 41-38 in the SWAC. The Florida Classic MVP Award recipient scored on runs of 17, 2 and 70 yards. He added a 5-yard reception to reach 200 scrimmage yards, more than double any of his previous career games, including in seasons at Miami (Fla.) and UL-Monroe.
Honorable Mention: Cornelius Brown, QB, Alabama A&M; Charles George Jr., S, Texas Southern; Maleek Huggins, WR/KR, Bethune-Cookman; Kobe Muasau, QB, Morgan State; Kobe Muasau, QB, Morgan State
National Team of the Week
Tennessee State (28-21 win over No. 12 Southeast Missouri)
Coach Eddie George’s Tigers (9-3) earned a share of the Big South-OVC Football Association championship – their first conference title since 1999. The first two-time recipient of HBCU+ FCS National Team of the Week never trailed in the win, with Draylen Ellis accounting for 278 yards of total offense and three touchdowns. Freshman linebacker Sanders Ellis had eight tackles (two solos) and two pass breakups, while defensive end Keandre Booker scored on a 22-yard fumble recovery.
Honorable Mention: Alabama State (9-6 win over Prairie View A&M)
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