GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Southern Conference today named Furman placekicker/punter Ian Williams as its special teams player of the week for his performance in Furman's 23-21, season opening victory over William & Mary on Saturday.

Earlier today Williams was tabbed Stats Perform National Special Teams Player of the Week.

He was joined on the league honor roll by freshman teammate Taylen Blaylock, who was accorded SoCon Defensive Player of the Week.

Williams, a graduate student now in his fourth season with the Paladins, played a pivotal role in the win over the Tribe, accounting for all nine Furman second half points with three field goals that rallied Furman from a 21-14 second half deficit to the victory. His first field goal covered 50 yards in the third quarter, and he connected from 42 and 32 yards in the fourth period, with his final conversion coming with 2:43 remaining for the game winning points.

In addition to totaling 11 of Furman's points, he averaged 46.6 yards on five punts, including a long of 61 yards, and tallied five touchbacks on six kickoffs.

The Charlotte, N.C., native and 2024 first team All-Southern Conference selection was recently named a first team preseason All-American by Stats Perform.  His three made field goals versus William & Mary extended his streak of successful field goal attempts to nine, and the 50-yarder versus the Tribe was the fourth field goal from 50+ yards in his career.  A year ago he set a Furman record for longest field goal with 57-yard connections versus Stetson and Mercer, respectively.

Williams has converted 45-of-59 field goals and has had only one kickoff go out-of-bounds in 213 kicks over his Furman tenure.  The league player of the week tab is the fourth of his career.

Furman (1-0) plays host to Presbyterian (1-0) this Saturday at Paladin Stadium in a 2:00 p.m. contest.