Mercer’s Gray Earns PFL Defensive Player of the Week Honors

MACON, Ga. (MERCER RELEASE) – After leading the Mercer University football team to its second-straight road victory at Davidson, freshman Mike Gray has been named the Pioneer Football League Defensive Player of the Week as announced by the conference office Sunday evening.

Gray paced the Mercer defense against Davidson with seven tackles, one tackle for loss, one pass break up and a 34-yard interception return for a touchdown.

With the Bears leading 14-8 and just 37 seconds remaining in the first half, Gray intercepted a tipped pass by Lendell Arnold and raced up the sideline for a 34-yard touchdown. The interception gave Mercer a 13-point lead heading to intermission as the Bears went on to record a 51-26 victory over Davidson.

“Mike’s interception proved to be a huge momentum swing,” said head coach Bobby Lamb. “We always strive to win the turnover battle and getting a defensive touchdown right before halftime set the tone for the rest of the game.”

Gray’s three interceptions on the year are tied for third-best in the PFL, while Mercer’s +8 turnover margin is second in the conference only to Butler’s +9.

The Bears return home next Saturday and welcome Jacksonville to town in a key PFL contest. Kickoff against the Dolphins is slated for 3 p.m. at Mercer University Stadium.