Johnson Collects TSWA Defensive Player of the Week Award

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--Cumberland University safety Cannon Johnson has been named the Tennessee Sports Writers Association (TSWA) Defensive Player of the Week, the organization announced Tuesday.

Johnson played a pivotal role in the Phoenix's 21-17 comeback win over the University of Pikeville on Saturday, leading the defense with nine total tackles, including seven solo stops. The junior also delivered one of the game's biggest moments, returning a blocked punt for a touchdown late in the third quarter to help spark Cumberland's rally from a 17-point deficit.

The Phoenix defense, anchored by Johnson's effort, held the NAIA's top-ranked passing offense in check. Pikeville entered the contest averaging 422 passing yards per game but was limited to just 271, 151 yards below its season average.

This is the latest recognition for Johnson, who was also named the Mid-South Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Monday.

This season, Cannon leads the Phoenix in tackles (30.0), tackles for loss, (7.5), and sacks (3.0). He scored two touchdowns this season. He ranks fifth in the NAIA in solo tackles with 22.

Diego Pavia from Vanderbilt was named the TSWA Offensive Player of the Week. Pavia completed 18-of-24 passes for 245 yards and one touchdown while rushing for a season-high 86 yards and one TD on nine carries, accumulating 330 yards of total offense while playing just one series into the third quarter. He surpassed 3,000 yards passing and 4,000 yards of total offense in his Vanderbilt career in the contest.

Cumberland (3-1) continues its four-game road stretch this weekend, traveling to take on Florida Memorial in Miami Gardens on Saturday.

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Players Mentioned

#8 Cannon Johnson: DB; 5' 8"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#8 Cannon Johnson
: 5' 8"; Junior
: DB

Players Mentioned

#8 Cannon Johnson

Players Mentioned

#8 Cannon Johnson