Post by David on Mar 29, 2017 12:03:03 GMT -8
Empire DB John Hardy-Tuliau (#33) (image credit: Dick's Photography / Colorado Crush)
3.29.17 -
SPOKANE, WA - Spokane Empire DB John Hardy-Tuliau has been named Vidswap.com's Defensive Player of the Week for Week 6.
Hardy-Tuliau (6'0'', 205 lbs) was the star for the Empire's defense in their 53-36 win over the Salt Lake Screaming Eagles. He made his presence felt in the Empire's defensive backfield, leading the team 9 total tackles as well as recording 1 pass breakup and an interception off of Screaming Eagles QB Verlon Reed in the redzone. Hardy-Tuliau also made an impact on special teams, returning a blocked Screaming Eagles extra point 48 yards for the rare defensive 2-point conversion for Spokane.
It's been an impressive season for Hardy-Tuliau, the first year DB out of the University of Hawai'i. His presence and stellar play on defense has improved with each week, and has given him more opportunities for playing time on the field. Through 5 games, he ranks 2nd on the Empire with 2 interceptions and 4th in solo tackles (16). He's also recorded 3 pass breakups and 1 tackle for loss.
Hardy Tuliau's award makes it the fifth consecutive week that a member of the Empire has been awarded Player of the Week honors, and the third overall Defensive Player of the Week this season. Since their season opener against the Green Bay Blizzard, DB Robert Brown (Week 2) and Tyree Robinson (Week 3) have been named Defensive Players of the Week, while RB Trevor Kennedy (Week 4) and QB Charles Dowdell (Week 5) have been named Offensive Players of the Week.
The other honorable mentions for Defensive Player of the Week for Week 6 include DB Jourdan Wickliffe (Cedar Rapids), DB Demetruce McNeal (Nebraska), DL Eze Obiora (Nebraska), and DB J'Vontez Blackmon (Sioux Falls)
The other IFL Week 6 winners include:
Offensive Player of the Week - WR Mike Tatum, Sioux Falls Storm
Special Teams Player of the Week - K Josh Gable, Nebraska Danger
This Saturday, the Empire host the Nebraska Danger at the Spokane Arena in a rematch of the 2016 Intense Conference Championship. Kickoff is scheduled at 7 p.m. PST. You can catch the action locally on the radio on 700 ESPN AM, 105.3 FM, or online at 700ESPN.com. The game will be broadcast on the IFL's Official YouTube account.
- DKH
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