Stetson University sophomore punter Matt Clements was selected as the Pioneer Football League Special Teams Player of the Week on Sunday after his performance at San Diego on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Melbourne, Australia, native got off to an inauspicious start, with an eight-yard punt on his first attempt. Clements recovered to average 39.6 yards on seven punts, including a 70-yard boomer on his final kick.
 
The eight-yard punt came after Stetson's opening drive but recovered to boot a 39-yarder on the next Stetson possession, a kick that was fair caught at the San Diego five-yard line. It was one of two punts downed inside the San Diego 10-yard line on the day – Clements saw another downed at the San Diego one-yard line – and one went for a touchback.
 
Clements' 70-yard boot came with him standing in his own end zone and forced San Diego to start on its own 25-yard line. San Diego only had 18 yards on punt returns in the game, Stetson netting 34.1 yards on Clements' punting.
 
Clements is the first Stetson player to be named PFL Special Teams Player of the Week since Jonny Messina earned the honor on November 3, 2019, after kicking four field goals, including a game-winner, against Jacksonville.
 
Clements is the 10^th Stetson player to be named PFL Special Teams Player of the Week since the Hatters began play in the league in 2013. Only Jonny Messina won the award more than once, winning it three times.
 
Overall, Stetson players have been selected as either Offensive, Defensive or Special Teams Player of the Week by the PFL a total of 28 times. In addition to the 12 special teams selections, there have been six players selected as Offensive Player of the Week a total of six times and four players have been selected as Defensive Player of the Week, winning that award a combined 10 times.
 
Former Hatter Donald Payne accounted for the most awards, earning Defensive Player of the Week seven times in addition to once earning the honor for his play on special teams.
 
The Hatters will close out their abbreviated spring schedule this Saturday when they travel to North Carolina for a rematch against Davidson. The Wildcats handed the Hatters a 26-20 loss to open the spring season and need a victory this weekend to secure the PFL title and berth in the FCS playoffs.
 
Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 1 p.m.
 
About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program has a vision of developing a culture of champions athletically, academically and within the community. This vision is accomplished through a mission of recruiting and developing student-athletes, coaches and staff, creating a culture of champions, within and outside of competition. The department operates with five core values: Championship Culture, Integrity, Excellence, Pride/Tradition and Leadership. To learn more about the Vision, Mission and Core Values for Stetson Athletics, visit GoHatters.com and click on Mission Statement under the Inside Athletics tab.