Rory island, a senior middle linebacker, captures his first GoStatesmen.com Male Student-Athlete of the Week award after leading No. 19 Delta State to a 33-28 victory over then-No. 3 North Alabama this past Saturday at Parker Field-McCool Stadium. The win moved the Statesmen into first place in the Gulf South Conference race and one win away from its seventh GSC title.Â
The Waveland, Mississippi, native recorded a team-high eight tackles with a tackle-for-loss and a sack in the win. On two key fourth-and-short situations for UNA, Island and the defense stood tall and stopped the Lions in their tracks to help preserve the victory. He also picked off UNA quarterback Luke Wingo for his first interception of the season.
Island enters this week's "Senior Day" matchup with Concordia College with 37 tackles, 7.5 tackles-for-loss and 1.5 sacks. He also has two pass break-ups and an interception. During his career, Island has recorded 178 tackles with 21.5 tackles-for-loss and 6.5 sacks.
DSU will face Concordia Saturday, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. Prior to the game, coach Todd Cooley, his staff and DSU Athletics will honor its 21 seniors at 1:30 p.m.
