July 5, 2024

Gameday Journal Group of Five Players of the Week

Zack: Dean Connors – RB, Rice

Dom: La’Damian Webb – RB, South Alabama 

South Alabama smacked Southern Miss around last week, winning 55-3. Sure, Southern Miss is not a good team, but let’s not let that take away from what La’Damian Webb did last Tuesday. Webb rushed for 102 yards and a whopping four touchdowns in the shootout victory for the Jaguars. Score four touchdowns and you’re gonna catch my attention.

Clay: Quinton Cooley – RB, Liberty

Quinton Cooley, my oh my, back-to-back weeks for my pick. The Flames running back had 24 carries for 134 yards and THREE touchdowns. Guy has been an absolute baller for Liberty lately and I can’t see him stopping. 

Snade: Marcus Carroll – QB, Georgia State

Louisiana is no slouch and when star QB Darren Grainger went down, Carroll stepped up and carried the Panthers to their third win in a daunting Sun Belt conference and sixth overall behind a 110-yard performance!

KKarp: Jalen Green – DL, James Madison

The entire JMU defense is deserving of getting a nod on this list, but Green led the charge off the edge. The Baltimore native had an outstanding Thursday night, tying the school record with 5 sacks on three QB hurries and another TFL. He currently leads the nation with 13 sacks and 18 TFL. The Dukes held Marshall to just 173 total yards and nine points as they improved to 7-0. 

(Special addition): Diego Pavia – QB, New Mexico State

Diego Pavia is electric. A more than worthy special addition to this week’s G5 player awards, Pavia carried his swagger with him into El Paso, as NMSU bullied UTEP 28-7 to win the Battle of I-10 last Wednesday night. The junior put up 186 yards and two touchdowns through the air while rushing for 96 more and two additional touchdowns to show off his dual threat ability. I love this guy’s cockiness too:

Honorable Mentions:

  • Nay’Quan Wright – RB, South Florida
  • Jalen White – RB, Georgia Southern
  • Jordan McCloud – QB, James Madison
  • Noah Smith – WR, Sam Houston State
  • Roderick Daniels – WR, SMU
  • Nick Vattiato – QB, Middle Tennessee State

Be sure to cast your vote for Gameday Journal Group of Five Player of the Week below!