University of Pikeville quarterback Xavier Malone has been selected as the national offensive player of the week by the NAIA.
 
Malone, a graduate student, set a school and conference record with 43 completions in Saturday's 49-14 win over Union Commonwealth University. He is honored this week alongside defensive player of the week Vincie Solano of Indiana Wesleyan and Freddy Joya of Texas Wesleyan, the special teams winner.
 
"We couldn't be happier for Xavier and our entire offensive unit," said Coach Corey Fipps. "This is a big boost for our entire time. Malone has returned this season after taking a year off and really worked hard to put himself in a position to be a leader on our team.
 
"We're very excited for him and hope this serves as a boost for our team as we make another run at the playoffs."
 
A 6-1, 187-pound quarterback from Knoxville, Tenn., Malone completed his 43 passes on 57 attempts, matching his career high with 437 yards. He completed 75.4 percent in the game and threw for six touchdowns.
 
In addition, he picked up a rushing touchdown and 21 yards on five carries.
 
This marks the fifth consecutive season a Bear has been named NAIA player of the week and the fourth straight it has been an offensive player. Last Oct. 28, the national office announced that running back Amon Williams was recognized after carrying for 380 yards and four touchdowns.
 
The last Bear quarterback to win it was Oct. 2, 2023, after Lee Kirkland threw for 614 yards and six touchdowns in a 52-10 win over, ironically enough, Union. Kirkland also won the honor in 2022, and freshman Jonathan Morton was named defensive player of the week during the fall 2021 season.
 
Malone is now 263 for 371 in the air, a 70.89 completion percentage, for 3,011 yards and 20 touchdowns. His 376.4 passing yards per game is just under 30 yards a game ahead of his closest competitor in the nation, and his completion percentage is second among those who have thrown at least 14 passes per game.
 
This week marks the fourth time this season Malone has been the AAC offensive player of the week, and therefore the league's nominee for the national honor.