BUIES CREEK, N.C. – After leading Campbell to a road win in its 2021 Big South opener, Darion Slade has been named the league's defensive player of the week.

Slade tallied a game-high 11 tackles in the 48-31 win against the Lions, including 1.0 stop for loss, to go along with a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown, returning to the CU lineup after missing a pair of games due to injury.

The sixth year senior caught Jonathan Jones' third quarter forced fumble in the air and ran it in from 25 yards out for the first of two Campbell defensive scores in the win. Slade was also credited with assists on back to back tackles for loss to close the first quarter, including a touchdown saving stop on third down to force a UNA field goal.

The Winston-Salem, N.C. native also registered seven tackles in the first quarter alone.

This is the first career conference player of the week honor for the two-time All-Big South performer.

Campbell will remain on the road for a second straight week on October 9, traveling to Gardner-Webb for another Big South test. The Camels return to Buies Creek for their Big South home opener on October 16, hosting league preseason favorite Monmouth.