Aug. 2, 2003

Greenville, SC - The Southern Conference today named its football playersof the week for games played on Saturday, September 14. Furman quarterbackBilly Napier was named the Offensive Player of the Week, defensive end CliffWashburn of The Citadel was named the Defensive Player of the Week andAppalachian State linebacker Brad West was the Freshman of the Week.

Washburn, a 6-7, 280-pound senior defensive end from Shelby, NC, is thefirst student-athlete in Southern Conference history to earn Player of theWeek honors in both football and basketball. The four-year starter atcenter in basketball earned SoCon Player of the Week honors on Dec. 12, 2000after making 11 of 12 field goal attempts in a game against South Carolina.Washburn turned to football in the spring and has become a starter on theBulldogs' defensive line. In The Citadel's 24-20 win over 15th-rankedDelaware on Saturday, Washburn had 11 tackles including two tackles for lossand three quarterback hurries. He helped key the defense that held Delawareto a season-low 298 yards of total offense.

Napier, a 6-3, 218-pound senior quarterback from Chatsworth, GA, set aSouthern Conference record for passing efficiency in game with a 411.08rating. Napier completed eight of 10 passes for 237 yards and a career-highfour touchdowns. His four TD passes covered 78, 71, seven and 11 yards andall came in the first quarter of the Paladins' 57-7 win over Elon.

West, a 5-11, 200-pound freshman linebacker from Clemson, SC, made 10tackles in his first career start as Appalachian State defeated 16th-rankedEastern Kentucky. West had five solo tackles and five assists while alsorecording three pass deflections including a near interception in the thirdquarter. He helped limit the Colonels' passing game to just sevencompletions in 20 attempts.

Also receiving consideration on defense was Western Carolina defensive endMichale Spicer who had eight tackles and three sacks in a 47-3 win over WestVirginia Tech. Offensively, other nominees included Appalachian State'sJerry Beard who rushed for 98 yards and a touchdown in the 36-28 win overEastern Kentucky; senior tailback Nate Mahoney of The Citadel who had 128yards rushing against Delaware despite a sprained foot; and Western Carolinareceiver Lamont Seward who had five receptions for 122 yards including an84-yard touchdown against West Virginia Tech.