Four Virginia Union University football players were named CIAA Players of the Week for their performances in VUU's 33-21 win over Virginia State University, the CIAA announced on Monday, November 7.

VUU's Darian Bryant was named Offensive Lineman of the Week, John Jiles was named Receiver of the Week, Damontay Rhem was named Linebacker of the Week and Xzavier Hines was named Defensive Lineman of the week.

"We have an outstanding group of players on this squad," said VUU Head Football Coach Dr. Alvin Parker.  "Anytime any of them get noticed for performing well I'm excited. All four of these student-athletes, John, Darian, Damontay and Xzavier made major contributions to the win on Saturday. I am proud of them all and still expecting big things from them to lead us in to post season play."

Bryant is the veteran on an offensive line that powered the Panthers to 458 yards of total offense and 7.6 yards per play in the Panthers' 33-21 win over Virginia State. On the ground, Virginia Union gained 181 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 5.2 yards per carry. Through the air, Bryant and the rest of the offensive line did not surrender a sack on 25 passing attempts as the Panthers threw for 277 yards and two touchdowns. Virginia Union gained 24 first downs, converted five-of-11 third downs, went a perfect two-for-two on fourth downs, and scored on five of seven redzone trips.

Jiles caught five passes for 116 yards and two touchdowns in the Panthers' win over Virginia State. His 116 yards and two scores were season-highs. The junior also had a 27-yard rush, finishing with six touches and 143 yards. His 27-yard run moved Virginia Union inside the Trojans' 10-yard line and resulted in a Panthers' touchdown. The Wake Forest, NC caught touchdowns of 18 yards and 49 yards and had a 33-yard reception that moved Virginia Union into the redzone. His second touchdown -- the 49-yarder, gave the Panthers a 30-21 third quarter lead.

Rhem registered a game-high and career-high 16 total tackles in the Panthers' win. The graduate student was credited with four solo tackles and an assisted tackle for a loss. The Wendell, NC native had six tackles that resulted in gains of two yards or less for Virginia State. 16 tackles were the most in a single game by a Virginia Union player since 2007.

Hines tallied eight total tackles, an interception, and an assisted sack in the victory over Virginia State. Leading 26-21 at the start of the fourth quarter, the senior earned a crucial interception at his own eight-yard line, which prevented the Trojans from putting additional points on the board. The Lanham, MD also assisted on a third down sack in the fourth quarter that forced a Trojans' punt and four of the senior's eight tackles resulted in gains of two yards or less for the Trojans.

VUU finished the regular season at 9-1 and now awaits the NCAA Playoff Selection Show on Sunday, November 13, to see where it will play in the NCAA Playoffs.