Nov. 27, 2001

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Two Samford University football players, linebacker Derrick Wheeler and safety Jonathan Clark, are ranked in the Top 20 nationally according to the latest defensive statistics released by the NCAA.

Wheeler, a 6-0, 182-pound sophomore from Pelham, Ala., is ranked in a tie for 10th in total tackles with 120 stops. Wheeler tallied 57 solo tackles and 63 assists and also made 10 tackles for losses of 30 yards, recorded two quarterback sacks, had five quarterback hurries, intercepted one pass, recovered a fumble, blocked a kick and forced a fumble. He led the Bulldogs in tackles, recording the most by a Samford player since 1999. Wheeler also recorded double-digit tackles six times, including totals of 19 and 20 stops.

Clark, a 6-4, 202-pound free safety from Carbon Hill, Ala., ranked 19th nationally in solo tackles with 52, averaging 6.5 per game. He also totaled 85 tackles for the season, despite missing two games to injury. Clark recorded double-digit stops three times of 14, 15 and 17. The senior has led the secondary in tackles and finished in the top five of team stops the last two years. He also returned a fumble 54 yards for score.