GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman defensive end Joshua Stoneking has been named Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in the Paladins' 31-13 road victory over Samford on Saturday.

The league honor is the second on the young season for Stoneking, a 6-foot-3, 264-pound redshirt sophomore from Raleigh, N.C.

He headlined Furman's defense with six tackles, including two sacks, and also blocked a field goal in helping the Paladins to their fourth consecutive victory over the Bulldogs in Birmingham.

Stoneking's two sacks topped an impressive seven-sack performance by the Paladins, and his block of a 36-yard Samford field goal attempt on the final play of the first half sent Furman into halftime with a 21-7 lead.  He also deflected a pass on Samford's final play of the contest, and the ball ended up in the hands of freshman defensive line teammate Garrison Butler for an interception at the Furman 14-yard line.

Currently the Football Championship Division (FCS) national leader in tackles for-loss (10.5) and sacks (6.5), Stoneking earned his first league defensive player of the week scroll in the Paladins' 28-24 road win over Campbell on Sept. 13 when he tallied six tackles, highlighted by 4.5 tackles for-loss, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. With the Paladins holding a 28-24 lead, he registered his final sack on fourth down at the Furman 17-yard line with 16 seconds remaining in the game, preserving the victory.

Furman plays host to East Tennessee State this Saturday in a 2:00 p.m. contest that will highlight Family Weekend at the university.

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