Brayden, DJ Smith Lauded With SoCon Weekly Awards

GREENVILLE, S.C. – In the wake of outstanding performances amid Mercer's 63-10 rout of visiting Presbyterian on Thursday evening at Five Star Stadium, junior quarterback DJ Smith was named the Southern Conference Offensive Player of the Week on Monday, while sophomore wide receiver Brayden Smith was crowned as the league's Special Teams Player of the Week.

A native of Greenville, Miss., DJ Smith logged the best debut by a Mercer quarterback in the 11+-year modern history of the program, accounting for 356 yards of total offense and four total touchdowns in Thursday's season-opening win. Smith completed passes to 12 different receivers and finishing his night with 331 yards and three touchdowns on 20-of-24 passing, while also adding a 25-yard rushing score. His 232.1 passer efficiency rating is the third-highest in program lore.

Braydn Smith, a product of Macon, scored twice and amassed 238 all-purpose yards – the 13^th-highest total in program history. He caught three passes for 83 yards, including a 68-yard touchdown reception in the opening period, while also logging four returns on special teams for 144 yards. He accentuated his night with a 75-yard punt return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

The Bears (1-0) will open up a two-game road trip on Saturday when they trek to Daytona Beach, Fla., to take on Bethune-Cookman (0-1) at Daytona Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. It will mark MU's first trip to the Sunshine State since a win over Stetson in Deland, Fla., during the 2014 campaign.

Brayden, DJ Smith Lauded With SoCon Weekly Awards

Players Mentioned

Brayden Smith

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