Carbondale Reporter

Three players from the Southern Illinois University football team received weekly honors from the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) on Monday. DJ Williams was named MVFC Offensive Player of the Week, Chris Presto earned Defensive Player of the Week, and Derek Harden Jr. was selected as Offensive Lineman of the Week.

Williams also received national recognition, being named Stats Perform FCS National Offensive Player of the Week. In Southern Illinois' 59-31 victory over Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO), Williams recorded career highs with 342 passing yards, four passing touchdowns, and 151 rushing yards. He accounted for a total of 493 offensive yards, which is the third-highest single-game total in program history. His rushing performance marked the second-most by a Saluki quarterback in one game. According to Southern Illinois records, this was the first time a Saluki quarterback surpassed both 300 passing yards and 150 rushing yards in a single contest.

Presto achieved his first Defensive Player of the Week honor after posting 12 tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble against SEMO. On SEMO's opening drive, he knocked the ball away from Payton Brown into teammate Colin Bohanek’s hands for a 55-yard return. Early in the second quarter, Presto intercepted a pass from SEMO quarterback Jax Leatherwood.

Harden received Offensive Lineman of the Week after earning a grade of 94% during Saturday’s win. He did not allow any sacks and registered three knockdowns against SEMO while helping lead Southern Illinois to its second consecutive game with at least 270 rushing yards.

The Salukis now hold a season record of 3-1 as they head into their bye week. Their next game is scheduled for Saturday, October 4 at home during Family Weekend.

The MVFC also recognized Andrew Lastovka from Youngstown State as Special Teams Player of the Week and Shadwel Nkuba II from Illinois State as Newcomer of the Week.

"DJ Williams was named the MVFC Offensive Player of the Week for the second time in his career," according to league officials.

"In addition to the league award, Williams was also announced as the Stats Perform FCS National Offensive Player of the Week on Monday."

"Presto earned his first Defensive Player of the Week honors after registering 12 tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble against Redhawks."

"Harden earned Offensive Lineman of the Week after receiving a 94% grade in Saturday's win."

"The senior guard did not allow a sack and tallied three knockdowns against Redhawks."

Williams, Presto, Harden, and their teammates will resume play following their bye week.