NEW ORLEANS – University of South Alabama football's Jalen Thompson recorded a career-high 10 tackles – all unassisted – intercepted a pair of passes and broke up another as well on Saturday at Idaho, and for his efforts the sophomore was named the Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Week.  The honor – announced by the league office on Monday – is the first of Thompson's career.

The Mobile, Ala., native became the fifth Jaguar to receive a weekly conference award this fall.  Dallas Davis and Roman Buchanan were chosen the Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week after helping the Jaguars open the year with a victory at Mississippi State.  Cole Garvin was named the Offensive Player of the Week following USA's win over nationally-ranked San Diego State, and Brandon McKee has earned Special Teams Player-of-the Week honors twice this season, doing so following USA's wins over Georgia State and Presbyterian.

The six conference weekly honor selections match last season's total and tie for the most by the program in a season.  Since beginning league play back during the 2012 campaign, South has had a total of 21 selections.

With the two interceptions against the Vandals, Thompson became the first Jag to pick off multiple passes in a game in more than a year, and the first since Ken Barefield in the 2010 finale and season opener in 2011 to record an interception in back-to-back outings.  He was also the first USA cornerback to finish with a double-digit tackle total since Nov. 2, 2013.

The Jaguars (5-6) will close out the regular season on Saturday as they host New Mexico State with kickoff scheduled for noon (CST).  Prior to the contest against the Aggies, USA will recognize its 23 seniors.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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