LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – Following a pair of standout performances that helped IUP football improve to 3-0, sophomore running back Leon Parson and senior linebacker Tai'Don Strickland earned PSAC West Athlete of the Week honors, the conference announced Monday.
Parson was named the PSAC West Co-Offensive Athlete of the Week, while Strickland earned PSAC West Defensive Athlete of the Week honors.
Parson shares the offensive honor with Slippery Rock running back Jay-Jay Jordan.
The sophomore turned in a dynamic all-around performance in IUP's road victory over Shippensburg, finishing with more than 250 all-purpose yards while finding the end zone twice.
Parson carried the ball 19 times for a career-high 187 yards and a touchdown, averaging nearly 10 yards per carry. He added a 17-yard touchdown reception and returned three kickoffs for 54 yards.
His 187 rushing yards marked IUP's first 100-yard rushing performance since Karst Hunter eclipsed the century mark against Shippensburg in the final game of the 2024 season.
Parson also became the first Crimson Hawk to rush for more than 150 yards in a game since Dayjure Stewart piled up 162 yards against Edinboro in 2023.
Through three games, Parson ranks second in the PSAC with five total touchdowns. He has provided a versatile threat out of the IUP backfield throughout the Crimson Hawks' unbeaten start, contributing as a runner, receiver and kickoff returner.
On the other side of the ball, Strickland helped lead another strong performance from the IUP defense. The senior linebacker recorded nine tackles, including seven solo stops, while adding two tackles for loss and a sack.
Strickland's performance earned him IUP's first PSAC West Defensive Athlete of the Week honor of the 2026 season.
Parson and Strickland give IUP three PSAC West weekly honorees through the opening three games. Punter and kickoff specialist Gavin Mentzer was named the division's Special Teams Athlete of the Week following IUP's double-overtime victory at West Chester.
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The Crimson Hawks return to Indiana for their 2026 home opener Saturday, Sept. 26, against Seton Hill.
