NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk State senior linebacker Jamal Giddens was selected as the Division I FCS Defensive Player of the Week by NCAA.com and the FCS National Linebacker of the Week by the College Football Performance Awards.

Despite playing just over two quarters before leaving the game due to dehydration, Giddens wreaked havoc for the Spartan defense. He tallied seven tackles, six of them solo, with a career-high 4.5 tackles for loss. He also registered two sacks and two forced fumbles. NSU recovered both fumbles, one in the end zone for the team's first touchdown during the 24-0 victory over Virginia State.

Giddens' effort helped lead a defense which recorded its first shutout since 2001, a span of 116 games. NSU limited Virginia State to 107 total yards of offense, including a scant 10 rushing yards on 36 attempts.
Giddens was also listed as an other top performer on the MEAC's list of weekly standouts.