STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State Football linebacker Courtland Stephens was named the United Athletic Conference Special Teams Player of the Week on Monday after his big game against West Georgia.
 
Stephens shined on special teams, earning a blocked punt and a muffed kickoff fumble recovery in Tarleton State's 45-10 home conference win against No. 23 ranked West Georgia. Stephens' blocked punt and fumble recovery are his first in his collegiate career. His punt block led to a touchdown to boost Tarleton State ahead 21-0, and his fumble recovery opened the second half, putting the Texans in great field position.
 
The Texans improved to 8-0 overall and 4-0 in UAC play with the win.
 
This marks the seventh UAC Player of the Week award for Tarleton State this season through eight games played.
 
Other UAC awards announced on Monday were North Alabama's Jayvian Allen as Offensive Player of the Week, Southern Utah's Mason Stromstad as Defensive Player of the Week, and North Alabama's Noah Gregg as Freshman of the Week.
 
2025 Tarleton State FB UAC Player of the Week Awards:
Week 0/1, Defensive, Special Teams and Freshman – Kasyus Kurns, Brad Larson, Tre Page III
Week 3, Defensive – Yasir Holmes
Week 4, Special Teams – Corbin Poston
Week 6, Freshman – Tre Page III
Week 8, Special Teams – Courtland Stephens