RUSTON, La. — A pair of LSU players who had big roles in the Tigers’ season opening 49-7 victory over Louisiana-Monroe were named players of the week by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association on Tuesday.
Wide receiver Michael Clayton and strong safety Jack Hunt were named LSWA players of the week after accounting for three of LSU’s seven scores on Saturday night.
Clayton was tabbed offensive player of the week after catching six passes for a career high 152 yards including two touchdowns. The Baton Rouge native caught touchdown passes of 40 and 66 yards, running his career touchdown total to 13. The junior has now caught a pass in 27 straight games, which is every game in his Tiger career.
Senior Jack Hunt made his first start at strong safety a successful one after recording a team-high nine tackles in LSU’s win over the Indians on Saturday night in Tiger Stadium.
The Ruston native also returned an interception 31 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter to make the score 35-0. It was Hunt’s first touchdown of his career. Hunt also helped limit the UL-Monroe offense to just 240 yards of total offense.
The Louisiana Sports Writers Association player of the week awards are voted on by a panel of voters across the state. The players are nomination by the sports information directors at the football playing institutions in Louisiana.
Other offensive players nominated include: Louisiana Tech kicker Josh Scobee, Northwestern State tailback Derrick Johnese, McNeese State quarterback Scott Pendarvis and Tulane wide receiver Roydell Williams.
Other defensive players nominated include: Louisiana Tech linebacker Jeremy Hamilton, Northwestern State linebacker Jamall Johnson and McNeese State linebacker Roderick Royal.
LSWA Players of the Week
Sept. 2
Michael Clayton, LSU (Offense)
Jack Hunt, LSU (Defense)