NASHVILLE — Tennessee State football junior Devon Starling had a lot to prove in Week One after coming off the bench in TSU's last-minute loss to #12 Eastern Washington on Saturday. And prove it, he did as the Nashville product was named the OVC Co-Offensive Player of the Week along with UT Martin running back Zack Wallace. 

Starling rushed for the most yards against a Division I opponent this season (FBS or FCS) with 207 yards. He had 25 rushes to average 8.3 yards per carry and also caught three passes to finish the game with 230 all-purpose yards. He had a 43-yard touchdown run at the end of the first quarter to give TSU a 19-15 lead. Starling had seven rushes of more than 10 yards in the game.

The Spring 2021 OVC Co-Rookie of the Year spent most of the offseason rehabbing from a shoulder injury but did not miss a beat on the Red Field. Playing alongside his Co-Rookie of the Year in new teammate Draylin Ellis at QB, the duo had a seamless transition on their first day in the office. It's no coincidence that Starling had a career-best on the ground with great run protection from offensive linemen Robert Lacey, Jaalon Gupton, Kennedy Wilbert, Chazon Page, and Brandon Jones.

Starling and Co. will have another opportunity to shine in his former stadium when the Tigers host Jackson State in the 33rd version of the Southern Heritage Classic at the Liberty Bowl on Saturday at 6 p.m.