HSU's Valentin named GAC Special Teams Player of the Week

By: Troy Mitchell

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. (HENDERSON STATE) - Henderson State's Israel Valentin has been named Great American Conference Special Teams Player of the Week after his performance against East Central.

Valentin opened last Saturday's game with a 97-yard touchdown on the game's opening kickoff to set the tone for Henderson State as the Reddies rolled to a 49-14 win over the Tigers.

The sophomore from Fort Worth, Texas, ended the game with 140 all-purpose yards including 43 yards receiving with a touchdown grab. Valentin totaled three receptions including a catch of 38 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter.

Valentin also returned an opening kickoff for a 92-yard touchdown earlier this season against Arkansas Tech.

For the season, Valentin is averaging 35.1 yards per kick return having 9 returns for a total of 316 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

The sophomore wide out also has 19 receptions for 200 yards and three scores.

Henderson State players have earned GAC Player of the Week honors a record 10 times this season, with at least one player earning the honor every week in 2012.

Henderson State, 8-0 on the season and 6-0 in the GAC, is coming off a 49-14 Homecoming win over East Central.

Henderson State will put its No. 9 national ranking on the line on Saturday when the Reddies travel to Magnolia to face Southern Arkansas in a battle between the two best passing offenses in the GAC. Game time is set for 6 p.m. at Wilkins Stadium.