RUSTON – Two Louisiana Tech football players earned Conference USA Weekly Honors Monday, as the league office announced linebacker Mekhi Mason as the CUSA Defensive Player of the Week, while punter/kickoff specialist John Hoyet Chance was selected as the CUSA Special Teams Player of the Week

Kicking in his first game at Joe Aillet Stadium's Origin Bank Field after redshirting last season, Chance handled punting and kickoff duties to perfection in Tech's win over Southeastern on Saturday.

The Shreveport native punted seven times for 336 yards, while landing three of his punts inside the 20-yard line, for an average of 48 yards per kick. Chance's longest punt of the night went for 59 yards, while he had three others also travel 50 or more yards.

The second-year Bulldog was perfect on four kickoff attempts, recording a touchback each time. Chance also served as the holder on all extra points and field goals. 

Second-year linebacker Mekhi Mason had a game to remember Saturday, celebrating his birthday with nine tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, and a pass breakup against Southeastern. His 4.5 tackles for loss rank third in a single game in program history and are the most since 2018. Mason set a new career-high in each category.

The Florida native transferred to LA Tech from Syracuse before the 2024 season. Mason played in 12 games with three starts last season and has positioned himself as a starter this season.

Tech's trio of starting linebackers, including Mason, Kolbe Fields, and Sifa Leota combined for 35 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks against SLU.

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