SALISBURY — Ryan Hatter Jr. and Kevin Larkins Jr. have been named Food Lion Players of the Week, the CIAA announced on Monday afternoon.

Ryan Hatter Jr. had game-high totals of 10 total tackles, nine solo stops, and three tackles against Shaw University. The sophomore also had a sack and a forced fumble. His strip-sack was recovered by a Livingstone teammate and returned for a touchdown to cut the deficit to 21-14 in the third quarter. The Chicago, IL native's three tackles for a loss resulted in a loss of 17 total yards for Shaw.Kevin Larkins Jr. became the first CIAA player since 2019 to record three interceptions in a single game. In the 28-14 loss to Shaw, Larkins jr. logged nine total tackles (seven solo stops), three interceptions, and two pass deflections. The freshman had two interceptions inside the Blue Bears' 10-yard line and a third interception occurred on Livingstone's side of the field. The Ft. Lauderdale, FL native racked up 20 return yards on his interceptions. Larkins Jr. was credited with a pair of pass breakups in the second half, both of which came on third down and forced a pair of Shaw punts.
"It shows the growth in both young men from day one until now," said Head Football coach Sean Gilbert.Kevin Larkins is currently ranked number one in the CIAA and NCAA Division II Rankings for interceptions per game. 
"As a freshman Kevin Larkins Jr. not only was named defensive back of the week but he holds the number one spot for interceptions in the conference and in the NCAA division II rankings," said head coach Gilbert.