CHARLOTTE, NC -- Elon cornerback Dwayne Ijames was crowned the Big South Conference Freshman of the Week Sunday night.

Ijames came off of the sidelines Saturday afternoon to collect a career-high five tackles, including a career-best four solo shots, in Elon's 31-15 loss at East Tennessee State's homecoming.

The 5-10, 165-pound Ijames also returned his second interception of the season for 10 yards to aid the Phoenix defensive effort. The selection was the first one for Ijames, who was an honorable mention pick twice earlier in the season.

Teammates Mike Warren and Anthony Turowski were honorable mention choices for the Big South's weekly awards. Warren, who racked up a game-high and career-high 11 tackles Saturday, was up for a defensive selection while Turowski, who averaged 37.1 yards on seven punts, was considered for special teams honors.

Ijames, Warren, Turowski and the rest of the Phoenix will enjoy the program's first open date in five years this weekend. Elon returns to action Nov. 2 when it hosts Hofstra at 2 p.m. at Rhodes Stadium.

--ELON--