BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- University of North Alabama senior strong safety Quinton Andrews has been named the Gulf South Conference Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in the Lions' come-from-behind win over Delta State last Thursday.

A Miami, Fla., native and a transfer to UNA from West Virginia University, Andrews helped the Lions pull off a 34-24 win over the Statesmen that has propelled North Alabama to a No. 1 ranking in the NCAA Division II.

Andrews made 18 tackles, with 12 solo, forced two fumbles and recovered one, and returned an interception 40 yards for a score with 10:04 left to play to seal UNA's win. He displayed his impressive speed on two of those tackles where he snuffed out a pair of potential touchdowns by running down the DSU runners from behind.

For the season, Andrews ranks as UNA's fourth leading tackler with 41 stops. He has three interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a blocked kick, in addition to a 100-yard interception return for a defensive extra point.

The Lions (8-0) play at Valdosta State on Thursday, Oct. 22, with kickoff set for 7:06 p.m. Central Time. The game is being televised live by CBS College Sports.