ELON, NC -- Samford WR Aryvia Holmes and Liberty WR Daniel Thomas have been tabbed NCAA-IAA Independent Co-Offensive Players of the Week while Elon WLB Calvin Sutton took Defensive Player of the Week honors and Liberty PK Jay Kelley captured Special Teams Player of the Week recognition for the week ending Sept. 29.

Holmes, a 5-11, 183-pound junior from Birmingham, AL, gained 193 all-purpose yards in the Bulldogs' 20-16 loss at Nicholls State. Holmes hauled in six catches for 116 yards and also returned a pair of kickoffs for 65 yards and a punt for 12. He led Samford receivers for the second-straight week while snagging big-play passes of 23, 30 and 33 yards.

Thomas, a 6-8, 215-pound freshman from Baker, FL, pulled down eight receptions for 144 yards and three touchdowns in the Flames' 41-13 victory over Wingate. He scored on pass plays of five, 19 and 66 yards. In doing so, Thomas became Liberty's first 100-yard receiver of the season.

Sutton, a 6-1, 190-pound redshirt freshman from Grifton, NC, made his first college start (and first game ever at linebacker) a memorable one, helping the Phoenix to a 27-14 win against fellow NCAA-IAA independent Gardner-Webb. He collected 10 total tackles, two tackles for a loss, two pass deflections, a forced fumble and a sack.

Kelley, a 5-11, 185-pound junior from Gallatin, TN, scored 11 points in Liberty's triumph over Wingate. He connected on both of his field goal tries, including a 42-yarder, and on all five of his PAT attempts. Thus far this season, Kelley is a perfect 12-for-12 in the PAT department.

Elon HB Rashaud Palmer and Gardner-Webb RB Justin Richardson share NCAA-IAA Independent Offensive Honor Roll distinction for the week. Palmer, a 5-9, 180-pound sophomore from Norlina, NC, rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries in the Phoenix victory over the Runnin' Bulldogs. Richardson, a 5-10, 249-pound senior from Raleigh, NC, ran his way to 100 yards on 17 carries for his sixth-straight 100-yard rushing game.

Liberty DE Matt Mays earned Defensive Honor Roll accolades for the week. The 6-2, 244-pound junior from Knoxville, TN tallied 10 tackles Saturday, including 2.5 for a loss and two sacks. For the game, Mays led the Flames in total tackles, tackles for a loss and sacks while grabbing his first collegiate fumble recovery.

In 2001, there are 12 NCAA-IAA Independent teams: Cal Poly, Cal State Northridge, Charleston Southern, Elon, Florida Atlantic, Gardner-Webb, Liberty, Morris Brown, St. Mary's (CA), Samford, Savannah State and Southern Utah.

--ELON--