Imagine a single player dominating the field with a staggering 19 tackles in one game—tying a conference record and securing a national lead in forced fumbles. That’s exactly what Charleston Southern’s Justin Waters did this weekend at Gardner-Webb, earning him the Ohio Valley / Big South Football Association’s Defensive Player of the Week award—his first-ever career honor. But here’s where it gets even more impressive: Waters didn’t just stop at tackles; he forced two fumbles, one of which shut down a potential scoring drive in the red zone, proving he’s a game-changer on both ends of the play. And this is the part most people miss—he collected nine of those tackles in the fourth quarter alone, showcasing his relentless stamina and focus under pressure.
Standing at 6’1” and playing as a senior linebacker, Waters has now etched his name among the elite, becoming one of just eight FCS players this season to achieve 19 or more tackles in a single game. His performance wasn’t just a personal milestone; it was a pivotal contribution to his team’s success. But here’s the controversial question: With Waters leading the nation in forced fumbles across all NCAA levels, is he not just a defensive standout but a potential game-changer in the postseason? Critics might argue it’s too early to tell, but his stats speak for themselves.
Looking ahead, Charleston Southern faces a tough challenge this weekend as they host nationally ranked Tennessee Tech. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. at Buccaneer Field, with the game streaming live on ESPN+ and commentary by Justin Biegel and Ford Werness. Will Waters continue his record-breaking streak, or will Tennessee Tech find a way to neutralize his impact? And this is where we want to hear from you: Do you think Waters’ performance this season is enough to solidify his place as one of the top defensive players in FCS football? Let us know in the comments below—we’re eager to hear your take!
