FRISCO, Texas –  Jordan Piper picked up Nicholls football's first player of the week honors for 2012 as the senior middle linebacker was named Southland Conference Co-Defensive Player of the Week, announced the league office on Monday.

Piper, a native of New Orleans, had a record day at Central Arkansas on Saturday, racking up a career-high 23 tackles to tie the program record, which was set by Nicholls Hall of Famer Rusty Rebowe in 1977. Piper, who ranks fourth in the FCS and leads the Southland with 12.25 tackles per game, tallied 14 solo stops and nine assists against the Bears. Piper also recovered a fumble following a sack in the Bears' red zone.

Piper's 23 tackles against UCA is a single-game high for the FCS this season. On the year, he has 49 tackles, giving the four-year starter 227 for his career.

The senior was the only non-Sam Houston State player to be recognized this week. Piper shared the honors with Bearkat defensive back Bookie Sneed, who had 11 tackles and a set a program record with a 92-yard interception for a touchdown in Sam Houston's 51-43 win over Stephen F. Austin.

Piper and the Colonels return to the field on Oct. 13 as they host the nationally-ranked Bearkats for Homecoming. Kickoff against Sam Houston is scheduled for 6 p.m.

SOUTHLAND RELEASE