October 11, 1999
Release: Upon Receipt

FURMAN'S WALTER BOOTH NAMED NATIONAL PLAYER-OF-THE-WEEK

GREENVILLE -- Furman University free safety Walter Booth has been named ESPN/USA Today National Defensive Player-of-the-Week for his performance in the Paladins' 35-21 win over Appalachian State in Greenville on Saturday.

Booth, a senior from Gainesville, Fla., registered five tackles, including a tackle-for-loss, and tied a Furman single game record with three interceptions in leading the Paladins to the victory over the previously third-ranked Mountaineers.

"Walter performance against Appalachian State on Saturday was national caliber, and his outstanding play set the tone for our defense, which played well," said Furman head coach Bobby Johnson on Monday. "He has really come through for us this year after making the switch from free safety to strong safety, and his ability to make the move ‹ and play well ‹ has been real bonus for our defense."

Booth's three pickoffs matched the Furman single game record held by Joe Watts vs. Presbyterian (1951), Mark Gordon vs. Presbyterian (1975), and John Zemina (1982). Two weeks ago Booth helped Furman seal a 27-19 win over Western Carolina with a fourth quarter interception. He currently leads the Southern Conference with four interceptions and has 27 tackles through five games.

Furman (4-1; 3-0 SoCon) returns to action this Saturday when it travels to Charleston to take on arch-rival The Citadel (1-4; 0-2 SoCon) at Johnson Hagood Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.