Carbondale Reporter

Senior Tae Marrero Jr. of Southern Illinois University has been recognized as the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) Special Teams Player of the Week following his performance in the team's 31-17 victory over Northern Iowa.

This marks Marrero's first time receiving this honor. During Saturday’s game, he returned a punt for a touchdown, something no Saluki player had accomplished in nearly two decades. Marrero caught the punt at his own 19-yard line and ran it back 81 yards for a score early in the third quarter, helping to increase SIU’s lead to 31-3.

The last time a Southern Illinois player recorded a punt return touchdown was on October 21, 2006, when Craig Turner achieved the feat against Western Kentucky. Marrero's touchdown is now the 20th punt return touchdown in program history. He finished the game with four returns totaling 104 yards.

This season, Southern Illinois has had two players named MVFC Special Teams Player of the Week. Earlier, kicker and punter Paul Geelen received the award after SIU’s win at UT Martin on September 15.

Marrero and the Salukis currently hold a record of 5-3 overall and are even at 2-2 in conference play. Their next game will be against Murray State on Saturday at 4 p.m.

"Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by following the team on Twitter at @SIU_Football, on Facebook at Facebook.com/SalukiFootball and on Instagram at @SIU_Football. Fans can also download the 'Salukis' Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store."