Ousley Earns Honorable Mention FedEx Ground FCS National Defensive Honors
October 31, 2022 | Football
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Gardner-Webb cornerback Raequan Ousley earned recognition Monday afternoon as an honorable mention FedEx Ground FCS National Defensive Player of the Week from Stats Perform.
Ousley (Orlando, Fla. / Evans HS) was busy in Saturday's win over Bryant, totaling three solo tackles and a career-high five pass break ups to help the Runnin' Bulldogs move to 3-0 in the Big South for the first time since 2003.
The 5-foot-11, 170-pound sophomore had three of his pass break ups after Gardner-Webb took the lead for good in the second quarter and was part of a fourth quarter defensive effort that limited the visitors to just one third down conversion in three chances.
Ousley has been terrific in his first season as a starter, totaling 38 tackles (17 solo), one interception and 11 pass break ups in nine games. He also has a forced fumble and recovery to his credit. Ousley ranks No. 16 nationally among FCS players in passes defended this season.
His production has helped Gardner-Webb's defense rank sixth nationally in turnovers gained (18) and seventh in passes intercepted (7). The Runnin' Bulldogs also rank third nationally in third down conversion defense (28.1 percent).
The Runnin' Bulldogs (4-5, 3-0 Big South) head into a well-deserved open date this weekend before closing the regular season with two important games. Gardner-Webb travels to Buies Creek, N.C., on November 12 to battle Campbell in the second annual North Carolina East/West BBQ Bowl (1:00 pm kickoff) and hosts North Carolina A&T on November 19 in Spangler Stadium (Noon kickoff).
Tickets for the regular season finale with the Aggies are going fast and can be purchased online at GWUSports.com.
