Six Virginia Union University football players have earned CIAA Player of the Week honors after the Panthers' 69-7 win over Kentucky State University on Saturday, August 31.

VUU's RJ Rosales was named Quarterback of the Week, Joseph Rounds was named Offensive Lineman of the Week, Jada Byers was named Offensive Back of the Week, Mike Jones was named Defensive Lineman of the Week, Jalen Mayo was named Defensive Back of the Week and Adrian Crespin was named Rookie of the Week.

Rosales led the Panthers to a dominating victory over SIAC opponent Kentucky State. Rosales went 12-17 for 233 yards with 2 TDs, he also added 12 rushing yards. He guided the Panthers to a school record 674 yards.

Rounds anchored an offensive line that was able to guide the Panthers to 674 yards of total offense, a new school record. The offensive line did not give up any sacks and showed domination in the run game.

Byers had 211 yards on 14 carries and added 3 TDs to lead the Panthers to a week 0 victory. VUU had 376 yards on the ground to defeat the SIAC opponent. Byers now becomes the second leading rusher in VUU History.

Jones in his debut for the Panthers had 5 tackles, 2.5 TFL, and 1 sack. The Panthers defense gave up 90 yards of total offense and held Kentucky State to an average of 1.9 per play.

Mayo, a cornerback for the Panthers, had 3 tackles and 1 TFL, he also included a Pick-6 in the third quarter for the Panthers to open up the scoring gap. The Panthers only gave up 28 passing yards.

Crespin started his first game for the Panthers at Offensive Guard. He helped the Panther to 674 yards of total offense, a new school record. The offensive line did not give up any sacks and showed domination in the run game.

"I think six players of the week is a record for us," said VUU Head Football Coach Dr. Alvin Parker. "The guys played extremely well and all of the guys named are very deserving of this honor." 

Virginia Union will now travel to Hampton, Va., to face Hampton University at 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 7.