Oct. 12, 2009

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Samford junior punter Bob Hooper was named the Southern Conference's Special Teams Player of the Week for his outstanding performance in Saturday's game against Chattanooga when the league released its weekly honors on Monday.

In Saturday's game, Hooper set a Samford record, averaging 54.2 yards on five punts. Hooper placed two kicks inside the Chattanooga 20-yard line, including one that was downed inside the Mocs' one-yard line. The Nashville, Tenn., native had a long punt on the day of 59 yards, and four of his five kicks traveled at least 50 yards.

For the season, Hooper ranks second in the SoCon with an average of 40.7 yards on 43 punts. His 59-yard punt in Saturday's game was a season-long for Hooper. He has placed 15 kicks inside the opponent's 20-yard line and has had eight kicks of 50 yards or more.

Hooper and the Bulldogs will travel to Greenville, S.C., on Saturday, Oct. 17, to take on the Furman Paladins. The game is scheduled for a 1 p.m. (CT) kickoff from Paladin Stadium.