Hippeard, Kellem and Windsor earn weekly honors
Tuesday April 21, 2015
Jones, Austin, and Taylor also awarded for weekend’s highlights
CHICAGO – Orlando Predators quarterback Randy Hippeard has been awarded Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Week, while Arizona Rattlers Jack linebacker Jeremy Kellem has been awarded Riddell Defensive Player of the Week and Arizona Rattlers wide receiver Rod Windsor has been awarded J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Week for Week 4 of the 2015 Arena Football League season. In addition to these awards, the AFL is also awarding the Cutters Catch of the Week and AFL Highlight of the Week. The Cutters Catch of the Week has been awarded to Jacksonville Sharks wide receiver Anthony Jones, while the AFL Highlight of the Week has been awarded to Cleveland Gladiators quarterback Shane Austin and wide receiver Collin Taylor.
RUSSELL ATHLETIC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Hippeard (6-3, 205, Virginia-Wise) put together the most efficient game of his three-year AFL career, completing 26-of-29 passes for 339 yards and six touchdowns in Orlando’s 61-48 victory over the LA KISS in Week 4. The AFL’s most accurate passer so far in 2015, Hippeard leads the League with a 72.6 completion percentage and 136.1 quarterback rating.
RIDDELL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Kellem (5-10, 195, Middle Tennessee State) tallied three takeaways in Arizona’s 65-47 victory over the Portland Thunder in Week 4. The fourth-year pro finished the game with 5.5 tackles – including one tackle for loss – to go along with four pass breakups, a pair of fumble recoveries, and a key interception just before halftime. Kellem leads the AFL with six takeaways this season.
J. LEWIS SMALL PLAYMAKER OF THE WEEK
Windsor (6-2, 205, Western New Mexico) hauled in a single-game AFL season-high six touchdown passes in the Rattlers’ 65-47 victory over the Portland Thunder in Week 4. He finished the contest with 141 yards on a game-high 14 receptions. In just two appearances this season, Windsor has logged 27 receptions for 309 yards and 10 scores.
CUTTERS CATCH OF THE WEEK
Jones (5-11, 195, Louisville) made a spectacular diving catch over the wall to setup a Derrick Ross touchdown run in the second quarter of Jacksonville’s 48-68 loss to the San Jose SaberCats in Week 4. Jones, who has recorded triple-digit receiving yards in all four games as a Shark this season, will receive a Cutters hat and shirt in recognition of the catch.
AFL HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Austin (6-1, 200, Hawaii) threaded the needle between two Philadelphia defenders on 3rd-and-18 to connect with Taylor (6-1, 200, Indiana) for a 28-yard touchdown reception – his first of a career-high four scores on the night. The grab landed at No. 5 on ESPN SportsCenter’s Top 10 Plays.
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Week candidates included: Arizona’s Nick Davila, Philadelphia’s Dan Raudabaugh, San Jose’s Erik Meyer, and Tampa Bay’s Jason Boltus.
Riddell Defensive Player of the Week candidates included: Orlando’s Meshak Williams, Philadelphia’s LaRico Stevenson, San Jose’s David Hyland, and Tampa Bay’s James Harrell.
J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Week candidates included: Orlando’s Brandon Thompkins, Philadelphia’s Marco Thomas, San Jose’s Reggie Gray, and Tampa Bay’s Kendrick Ings.
The Arena Football League is also awarding the MVP of the Week, where fans are given the opportunity to select the winner. Candidates include Arizona Rattlers quarterback Nick Davila, Orlando Predators quarterback Randy Hippeard and Philadelphia Soul quarterback Dan Raudabaugh. Fans will have 24 hours to vote on ArenaFootball.com beginning at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 22. The winner will be announced on Thursday, April 23.
About the AFL
Since its inception in 1987, the Arena Football League has showcased a fast-paced and exciting game to millions of fans in a myriad of markets across the country. The ESPN family of networks and CBS Sports Network will nationally broadcast AFL games each week for the entire 2015 season. This season will also be the first with Scott C. Butera leading the way as Commissioner. The AFL schedule culminates with ArenaBowl XXVIII Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.