Wells Selected Big South Defensive Player of the Week
10/3/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
Following his third double-digit tackling effort of the season, Liberty's Juwan Wells has been named this week's Big South Defensive Player of the Week.
The sophomore finished the contest with 12 tackles (seven solo, five assisted), leading the Flames' defensive showing in a 41-7 victory over Robert Morris on Saturday.
The native of Dublin, Ga., was individually responsible for 22.2 percent of Liberty's 54 tackles during the win over the Colonials. Of his dozen stops, seven were solo tackles, marking a new single-game season best. He now leads the team with 19 solo tackles in five games.
Wells currently leads the country among defensive linemen and ranks No. 32 overall nationally, averaging 9.6 tackles per game.
The defensive end also added 2.5 tackles for a loss, including 2.0 sacks (10 yards). He has recorded 9.5 sacks and 14.0 tackles for a loss in his first 13 career games played. Wells has 4.5 sacks through five games in 2016 and ranks No. 20 nationally in sacks per game (0.90).
Well's strong play helped the Flames limit Robert Morris to a Liberty opponent season low 204 total offensive yards. The Colonials picked up 70 of the team's 204 yards on their lone scoring drive midway through the first quarter.
Wells was one of four players honored for their efforts during this past weekend. The Big South posted a perfect 5-0 record on Saturday and each team scored 40 or more points during their victories.
Monmouth's wide receiver Reggie White, Jr., was named the Big South Offensive Player of the Week, while his teammate Matt White was tabbed the Big South Special Teams Player of the Week. Monmouth posted a 42-41 win in overtime at home against Fordham.
Charleston Southern quarterback Shane Bucenell guided the Buccaneers to a 59-58 double overtime win against No. 14 Coastal Carolina. The rookie threw two of his four touchdowns on the night during the overtime periods.
Following its annual bye week, Liberty will begin Big South play on Oct. 15 when the Flames make their first-ever trip to Kennesaw, Ga., to face Kennesaw State. The contest against the Owls kicks off at 7 p.m. from Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
