South Carolina State quarterback William Atkins IV has been selected as the Stats Perform HBCU National Player of the Week for Week 9 of the FCS football season, following a dominant performance in the Bulldogs' conference-opening win at Norfolk State.

Atkins powered the defending MEAC champions to a 51-20 victory, throwing for 428 yards and four touchdowns on 24-of-36 passing. Three of his scoring strikes came during a remarkable seven-minute span in the second quarter, helping S.C. State put up 35 points before halftime.

This recognition leads into the annual Stats Perform FCS National Awards Show on January 3 in Nashville, Tennessee, as the organization celebrates the top performers across HBCU and FCS football. Now in its 39th year, the awards program continues to highlight exceptional talent like Atkins.

Delaware State received honorable mention for the HBCU National Team of the Week honors following their 35-26 victory at North Carolina Central. 

South Carolina State's Atkins, Grambling Claim HBCU FCS Football Awards (Week 9) | Opta Analyst