NORFOLK, Va. (September 1, 2025) – The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) uncovered its football weekly awards where Howard University sophomore kicker Matt Conord (Lithia, Fla.) took home the league's specialist of the week. The announcement came Monday afternoon.
 
In the annual Orange Blossom Classic (Aug. 30), Conord drilled a 43-yard field goal as time expired to lift HU over Florida A&M (FAMU), 10-9, in Miami Gardens, Fla.
 
"That was a career long and my first game winner," said a surprisingly composed Conord following the emotional win. "I felt pretty conformable in the situation. I trusted snapper and holder because we worked on timing all camp, so although there was pressure, I felt very comfortable. The way we played overall; I did not want to let them down."
 
The Florida native also totaled 116 yards on two kickoff returns (58.0 avg.) and added a 36-yard punt.
 
Fellow classmate linebacker Ja'Quavion Smith (Wingate, N.C.) received honorable mention after registering seven total tackles, one quarterback hurry and one pass breakup in the victory over FAMU.
 
Delaware State running back Marquis Gillis was named MEAC Offensive Player of the Week while Hornet teammate Quinten Johnson earned Defensive Player of the Week honors. Morgan State running back Randall Nauden was selected Rookie of the Week and fellow Bear Jerrod Burrell claimed the conference's Offensive Lineman of the Week.
 
Howard travels to Philadelphia to take on the Owls of Temple University Saturday, September 6. Kickoff at 2 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com or the MEAC website at www.MEACSports.com.