Nov. 4, 2001

MORAGA, Ca. - Samford's quarterback Ramon Nelson was named the NCAA I-AA Independent Offensive Player of the Week, while Samford linebacker Derrick Wheeler shared defensive honors with Saint Mary's cornerback Greg Kavulich for the week ending November 3.

Nelson, a 5-11, 175 pound freshman from Mobile, Alabama, stole the show on Senior Day in Birmingham when he set his career highs in attempts, completions and yards and tied his career-best in touchdowns in the 43-36 win over Elon. He totaled 347 total yards of offense and tossed scores of 13, 48 and 11 yards. The 11-yarder came with 7:04 to go in the fourth quarter for the go-ahead score after Elon had tied the game at 36 five minutes earlier. He also broke a long run of 48 yards in the second half to set up a Bulldog score.

Wheeler, a 6-0, 185-pound sophomore, was active in the Bulldogs' attempt to slow down Elon's option attack. His 19 tackles led the team and his interception in the fourth quarter and 20-yard return to the Elon 15 set up Samford's winning score. He also had two quarterback pressures, one tackle for a loss and one pass breakup. Wheeler's effort against Elon was his fourth game with 10 or more tackles this season.

Samford' Aryvia Holmes and Jonathan Clark have also won POW honors this season.