September 16, 2008 – ATLANTA – Wide receiver Jamar Rodriguez was named SIAC Newcomer of the Week for his stellar performance against the Lane Dragons.

Rodriguez, a 5’-8” 160-pound, red-shirt sophomore, amassed 150 yards of offense, catching three passes for 34 yards and running back four kickoffs for 116 yards.

As the Newcomer name suggests, the award is given to a player in his first year of action who distinguishes himself on the gridiron.

Rodriguez has come a long way since 2006 when on his first play of the season he broke his leg on a kickoff return. Given a medical red shirt, the Houston-born Rodriguez now has three full years of eligibility remaining.

Accounting for 339 yards of offense in three games this season Rodriguez is second in the SIAC in all-purpose yardage.

In kickoff returns, Rodriguez is number one in the conference, averaging 28 yards per return.

In other Player of the Week news…

Offensive tackle Ramon Harewood, wide receiver James Steadman, quarterback Christian Sterling and linebacker Earl Thomas garnered Honorable Mention votes for their play in the win over Lane.

Harewood anchored an offensive line that produced 300 yard and scored on 2-of-4 opportunities in the Red Zone.

Steadman caught eight passes for 88 yards and three touchdowns. The senior from Savannah leads the Maroon Tigers and the SIAC in receptions per game with six. He is second in the conference in receiving yardage, averaging 96.3 yards per game.

Sterling connected on 23-of-32 passes for 268 yards and four touchdowns. The sophomore from Houston leads the SIAC in touchdowns thrown (8) and is second in passing, averaging 208 yards per game.

Thomas registered nine tackles against the Dragons. The Houston senior now 21 tackles in three games, which places him second among Maroon Tigers and tied for sixth in the SIAC.