SEARCY — Harding freshman kick returner and slotback Jeff Regan has been named the Great American Conference Special Teams Player of the Week following a game-changing two-touchdown performance in the second-ranked Bisons' 37-14 victory at Southwestern Oklahoma State.
The Rogers, Arkansas native delivered the defining moment of the contest late in the third quarter. Immediately after SWOSU scored to cut Harding's lead to 16-14, Regan fielded the ensuing kickoff at the 2-yard line and sprinted 98 yards for a touchdown to push the advantage back to 23-14. The play stands as the second-longest kickoff return touchdown in Harding football history.
Regan put the final touches on the victory in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter, sweeping around the right edge for a 40-yard touchdown run with 12 seconds remaining to finalize the 37-14 score.
Playing in his first collegiate road contest, the Natural State product amassed 231 all-purpose yards and two scores. His night included 159 yards on kickoff returns, 58 rushing yards on just three carries (19.3 yards per carry), and 14 punt return yards.
The award marks Regan's first career weekly conference honor and the second consecutive GAC Special Teams Player of the Week award for No. 2 Harding (2-0, 2-0 GAC), following placekicker Dean Roberts' selection in Week 1.
Harding returns home to First Security Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, hosting Southern Arkansas at 7 p.m.
