NORFOLK, Va. – North Carolina Central University running back Plez Lawrence and defensive back Joshua Truesdale received Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference weekly football honors, the conference announced Monday.

Lawrence was named the MEAC Offensive Player of the Week, while Truesdale earned Defensive Player of the Week honors following NCCU's 30-22 victory over North Carolina A&T in the 98th Aggie-Eagle Classic.

Lawrence delivered the best performance of his NCCU career, rushing 22 times for 210 yards and three touchdowns. The Kokomo, Indiana, native averaged 9.5 yards per carry and scored on runs of 14, 73 and one yard.

His 73-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter helped the Eagles take a 23-14 advantage into halftime. Lawrence became the first NCCU player to rush for at least 200 yards in a game since J'Mari Taylor recorded 206 yards against Howard in 2024.

Truesdale led the NCCU defense with 10 tackles, including five solo stops, while adding an interception, half a tackle for loss and two pass breakups.

The Charlotte, North Carolina, native intercepted North Carolina A&T quarterback Kevin White during the second quarter, returning the ball 17 yards to the Aggies' 30-yard line. NCCU scored two plays later to build a 16-0 advantage.

The victory was NCCU's fifth consecutive win over North Carolina A&T and improved the Eagles to 2-1 on the season.

NCCU returns to action Saturday, Sept. 19, when the Eagles travel to Boiling Springs, North Carolina, to face Gardner-Webb. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m., and the game will air live on ESPN+.

For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.