GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman cornerback Caleb Easterling has been named Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Week, the league announced this afternoon.

Easterling,a 5-foot-9, 175-pound sophomore seeing his first full season of action, played a pivotal role in Furman's 20-13 upset victory over 14th-ranked and defending SoCon champion Mercer on Saturday in Macon.  The Richmond Hill, Ga., product was credited with seven tackles, two interceptions, and a pass breakup to headline an outstanding Paladin defensive effort that helped snap Mercer's 12-game SoCon winning streak.

His pass breakup came on third down and forced a punt, and his first interception halted a second quarter Mercer scoring threat at the Furman 31.  With the Paladins trailing 6-3 late in the third quarter, he stepped in front of another pass to give Furman the ball at the Mercer 46, setting up a Paladin touchdown strike on the next play that put the Paladins up, 10-6.

In three starts this season Easterling has tallied 15 tackles, two interceptions, a forced fumble and a pass breakup. A year ago he redshirted after appearing in four games and making his mark as a kickoff return specialist, which included a 100-yard kickoff return versus Mercer.  He was named to the 2025 SoCon All-Freshman Team.

Furman (2-1, 1-0 SoCon), ranked 24th in this week's AFCA FCS Coaches poll, plays host to 16th-ranked South Carolina State (3-0) this Saturday in a 7:00 p.m. contest at Paladin Stadium.