BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—Samford senior running back and kick returner Fabian Truss was named the National Special Teams Player of the Week by the Sports Network on Monday.

Truss, who was also named the Southern Conference Special Teams Player of the Week earlier on Monday, played a key role in Samford's season-opening 31-21 win at Georgia State Friday night.

Truss jump-started the Bulldogs toward the victory by returning the game's opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. The Sports Network Preseason FCS All-America kick returner brought back three kickoffs for 149 yards while adding two punt returns for 53 yards.

Truss also added another touchdown on a carry in the first minute of the fourth quarter to put the Bulldogs ahead for good. His 296 all-purpose yards ranked No. 1 in the FCS in the opening week of the season.

Samford will return to action on Sept. 7, when the Bulldogs take on Arkansas in Little Rock, Ark. The game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. start from War Memorial Stadium.