9/17/2002

Charleston - There's nothing to this game. Right, Cliff?

The Citadel's Cliff Washburn, after playing just the second college football game of his career - and the first against a Division I-AA opponent - made Southern Conference history Monday.

Washburn, a 6-7, 270-pound defensive end, was named SoCon defensive player of the week, becoming the first player in league history to win the award in both football and basketball.

Washburn, the former Bulldogs basketball standout who decided this year to play football for the first time since sixth grade, made 11 tackles (two for losses) and had three quarterback hurries in Saturday's 24-20 upset victory over the then 15th-ranked Delaware Blue Hens.

He also was named SoCon basketball player of the week on Dec. 12, 2000, after he made 11 of 12 shots in a game against South Carolina.

"That's great for Cliff, it should really pick him up," said Citadel football coach Ellis Johnson.

Washburn had come by Johnson's office last week, frustrated after making just one tackle in his debut against Louisiana State two weeks ago.

"He was dragging a little bit, knowing that he had not played that well," Johnson said. "Cliff expects a lot out of himself, and that can help him become a better football player if he uses it the right way."

Furman quarterback Billy Napier was named offensive player of the week after hitting 8 of 10 passes for 237 yards and four touchdowns in a lopsided 57-7 win over Elon.

His passing efficiency rating of 411.08 for the game is a SoCon record.

Appalachian State linebacker Brad West was named freshman of the week after making 10 tackles and deflecting three passes in a 36-28 victory over Eastern Kentucky.