OKLAHOMA CITY – Kennesaw State football senior safety
Kody Jones was named this week's Thorpe Award National Defensive Back of the Week after delivering a career-best performance in the Owls' 24-21 triumph over New Mexico State.
Jones wreaked havoc all over the field on Saturday, recording a game-high eight tackles and a whopping 4.0 tackles for loss, including a huge 11-yard sack – all career high's – en route to the Owls' seventh-straight victory and fifth-straight Conference USA win.
The Memphis, Tenn. native helped lead a KSU defense that held New Mexico State to just 13 yards in the first quarter, as well as withstand a late surge from the Aggies that saw them control the ball for nearly 10 minutes in the fourth quarter (9:53).
His tackles for loss and sack totals helped contribute to a record-setting day for the Kennesaw State defense as the Owls broke the single-game program record for team sacks (6.0) and tied the school record for team tackles for loss (14.0).
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is awarded to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. The Thorpe Award is universally accepted as one of the nation's top collegiate sports honors.
The Week 12 matchup is shaping up to be one of the biggest games of the season in the Conference USA slate and Group of Six conference's at large. Kennesaw State and Jax State are currently tied for the lead in CUSA standings, both sitting at 5-0 in conference action.
The game was moved to a primetime slot on ESPNU by ESPN due to excitement surrounding the showdown.
The Owls currently sit at 7-2 overall, having only suffered setbacks against ACC foe Wake Forest (6-3) and top-5 Big Ten opponent Indiana (10-0). The Gamecocks are 6-3 this season.
Fans also have just
one more opportunity to the see the Owls at Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium in the regular season, hosting CUSA newcomer Missouri State on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 3 p.m. Owl Nation can purchase tickets by heading to KSUOwls.com/tickets or by clicking
HERE!
The Owls Fund
The Owls Fund is the primary fundraising arm of Kennesaw State Athletics with the goal of supporting our student-athletes, coaches and each of our 18 NCAA Division I programs. Through initiatives such as Legacy Lockers, the Dot Martin Scholarship Golf Classic, sport-specific giving opportunities, general donations and season tickets, The Owls Fund connects fans with KSU's programs and student-athletes. Members receive exclusive benefits such as hospitality seating areas and events at Kennesaw State home games, and more. Join The Owls Fund here and discover more opportunities on how you can support Kennesaw State Athletics.
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