FRISCO, Texas - Following the Colonels' conference-opening win over UTRGV, Nicholls State University football wide receiver Jackson Dufrene and linebacker Kennon Loftin have been named Southland Conference Football Players of the Week, the league office announced Monday morning.

Dufrene garnered SLC Offensive Player of the Week after his career night where he tied a school record with three touchdown catches in the 31-28 win over the Vaqueros, totaling a career-high 100 yards on five receptions. 

A graduate of C.E. Byrd, Dufrene hauled in a 18-yard pass for the game's first touchdown, then had the catch of the night with a one-handed grab for a 20-yard score. He added a 53-yard catch-and-run to set up the go-ahead field goal before halftime and capped his night with a 3-yard touchdown reception on fourth down in the third quarter. 

 Lofton was named SLC Defensive Player of the Week in just his third game as a Colonel. A transfer from Western Kentucky, Loftin led the Colonels with 12 tackles and an interception in the victory over UTRGV. He set the tone early with a pick in the opening possession, returning it 26 yards which led to a touchdown drive. As a unit, Nicholls limited the Vaqueros to 63 yards rushing after coming in with a 224 average, and just 327 total yards on the night. 

Southland weekly award winners are nominated and voted upon by each school's sports information director. Voting for one's own athlete is not permitted. To earn honorable mention, a student-athlete must appear on 25 percent of ballots.

Up Next
Nicholls will head to Texas this Saturday (Sept. 19) for its first meeting with Sam Houston since 2021. The Colonels will return to Guidry Stadium on Sept. 26 to host nationally-ranked Lamar in Southland action. Tickets are available here.