NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk State defensive back Jordan Saunders has been named the MEAC Defensive Player of the Week after forcing three turnovers in the Spartans' 29-28 loss to North Carolina Central on Saturday at William "Dick" Price Stadium.

Saunders, a redshirt junior from Montross, Va., intercepted Joshua Jones twice and forced a fumble, accounting for every takeaway Norfolk State produced. He added five tackles, four of them solo.

His first interception came in the second quarter with North Carolina Central at the Norfolk State 39. Saunders picked off Jones at the 15 and returned it to the 13, ending a drive that had reached Spartan territory.

He struck again on the first snap of the Eagles' opening possession of the third quarter, intercepting Jones at the Norfolk State 45 and giving the offense the ball near midfield.

Later in the third, Saunders forced a Jones fumble at the Norfolk State 11, stopping another Eagle drive inside the red zone.

The three takeaways came against an offense that rushed for 221 yards, including 174 from Gino Addison. Norfolk State finished plus-2 in turnover margin and did not give the ball away until the final two minutes.

UP NEXT
Norfolk State travels to Morgan State on Saturday, Nov. 14, at noon on ESPN+, before closing the season at home against Howard on Nov. 21.