The Sacramento State football team earned plenty of media attention last September on behalf of three of its players’ achievements. Zack Nash (#98), Christian Clark (#96) and Deionte Gordon (#25) have each been named Big Sky defensive player of the week at some point throughout the month.

Nash, Clark and Gordon each earned the award after impressive games against Humboldt State, Southern Oregon and Portland State, respectively. It was the first time any of the players had earned the award.

“It feels good that we are being recognized for our performances,” head coach Marshall Sperbeck said.

Coach Sperbeck wasn’t surprised that his players had earned the award. “(Nash and Clark) are both good players and did a good job through the early part of the season.”

Freshman Nash first heard he had won the award the Monday following the Humboldt State game. “I was surprised,” said Nash. “It was my first college game.”

He was told of the award before practice started that day.

“I had a couple of tackles for losses,” he said.

He had 10 tackles against Humboldt State, which was a team high.

Nash played at Vacaville High School before coming to Sac State this year where he was named honorable mention all-metro by the Sacramento Bee and all-Sac-Joaquin Section and was a two-time all-Monticello Empire League selection. He plans on becoming a police officer after college but is also seriously considering coaching football, as well.

Teammate Clark said, “I see the progress in (Nash). He has potential.”

Clark is a sophomore this year at Sac state. He was a redshirt during the 2006 season, but played in nine games and started in four in 2007. He previously played for Palisades High School in Los Angeles.

He found out about his award when it was posted on the conference website.

“I was pretty shocked,” he said. “I was just trying to help my team out.”

Clark had a career-high six tackles against Southern Oregon on Sept. 13. He blocked an extra point, had two sacks and also forced a fumble during the game. His key plays helped the Hornets beat the Raiders 27-16.

Clark wants to become a firefighter after his college career. “I’m also contemplating coaching,” he said.

Nash said that he tends to look up to Clark. “He’s always teaching me because he’s older; correcting me on the field,” he said.

Sperbeck is impressed by both Nash and Clark this season.

“They both are relentless players,” he said. “They play the whole game and they don’t give up.”

Gordon was named co-defensive player of the week after his game against Portland State on Sept. 27. He shared the award with Dane Fletcher of Montana State. Gordon had an impressive eight tackles during the game and also caught a deflected pass and brought it in for a 15-yard touchdown, giving Sac State the lead.

Gordon leads the team in interceptions with two so far this season. He has started all five games this year as a freshman. He graduated from Seaside High School in Monterey County where he was named Monterey Bay League MVP and earned numerous other awards.

The Hornets have won three games out of six this season – the best start since 2000. They are 1-2 in their Division. Two out of the next three games will be on the road.

The Hornets played Northern Arizona on Oct. 4, but lost 10 to 42. The Hornet’s next game will be against Missoula at Montana on Oct. 18.

Amy Lewis can be reached at [email protected]