April 25, 2008

JACKSON, Miss. - The Jackson State football program held its Athletic Awards Banquet and 2007 Southwestern Athletic Conference ring ceremony at the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center Thursday night.

Sophomore kicker Eric Perri was named the Best Offensive Player. In 2007 he was second in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in scoring, with 88 points (7.3 points/game). Perri made 17 field goals and 37 extra point conversions.

Senior defensive lineman Corey Clark received Best Defensive Player honors. Clark recorded 55 tackles, 17.5 tackles for a loss and five sacks.

The Unsung Hero Award went to senior wide receiver Terrance Jones and sophomore defensive back Malcolm Palmer. Jones was fourth on the team with 29 receptions for 481 yards and three TDs. Palmer finished '07 as JSU's third leading tackler with 68. He also had 2.5 tackles for a loss and five interceptions.

The Academic Award went to John Thompson. Thompson, a business administration major, has maintained a 3.5 GPA for the entire season.

Senior wide receiver Jaymar Johnson was named the team MVP. This season Johnson led the team in receiving yards with 613 and receiving TDs with 7. He was also second on the team in receptions with 36.

Each member of the Tigers football team also received their 2007 SWAC Championship ring.

The Tigers will open the 2008 season August 31 in Orlando, FL for the MEAC-SWAC Challenge. JSU will square off against Hampton.