NASHVILLE — Tennessee State football graduate quarterback Draylen Ellis and freshman defensive lineman Sanders Ellis earned Big South-OVC weekly honors after the Tigers defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the Southern Heritage Classic. D. Ellis was named Co-Offensive Player of the Week, while S. Ellis earned Co-Freshman of the Week.

D. Ellis was also named MVP of the Southern Heritage Classic after leading Tennessee State to a 41-28 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis. He completed 20 of 33 passes for 228 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions, and added 25 rushing yards. Ellis threw touchdown passes of 22, 12, and 4 yards, all in the second quarter, as the Tigers built a 31-14 halftime lead. Nationally, D. Ellis ranks ninth in passing touchdowns (6), 11th in passing yards (712), 15th in total offense (257.0 yards per game), 17th in passing efficiency (149.0), and 22nd in points responsible for per game (12.0).

S. Ellis recorded five tackles (three solo), including 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks, in Tennessee State's win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff. He helped force -21 yards with his sacks. Ellis is now ranked 28th nationally in tackles for loss per game (1.3).

Tennessee State opens Big South-OVC play on Saturday at Tennessee Tech, with kickoff set for 1:30 p.m.