West Alabama defensive end Ryan Jones and UWA place kicker Mark Grant are the Gulf South Conference Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week, respectively, for the period ending Oct. 6.

Jones earns his first-ever GSC player of the week honor, spearheading UWA’s defense in a 48-14 home victory on Thursday night over Delta State. The junior recorded six total tackles, (five solo), 3.5 tackles for loss (-19) yards and two sacks (-18). The 6-2, 250-pound Irondale, Ala., product also forced two fumbles, one that was scooped up and returned for a touchdown by Dereck Jordan.

Grant notched his first special teams award, posting a perfect performance in the Tigers’ win over the Statesmen. The 5-7, 160-pound freshman nailed both of his field goal attempts, booting a 37-yarder and a career-long 42-yarder. The Panama City, Fla., native also converted all six of his point-after kicks and averaged 61.9 yards on kickoffs, including two touchbacks.

Jones, Grant and the Tigers are host to top-ranked Valdosta State Thursday on GSC-TV LIVE from Tiger Stadium on the UWA campus in Livingston. Kickoff is set for 6:35 p.m. Tickets are can be purchased at www.uwaahtletics.com or by calling 205-652-3784.