BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – Eastern Kentucky University defensive back Jeremy Caldwell was named the Ohio Valley Conference Specialist of the Week yesterday thanks to his 69-yard punt return for a touchdown that helped the EKU football team defeat Austin Peay Saturday, 17-3.

Caldwell’s punt return proved to be the game-winning score against the Governors. With the score tied 3-3 midway through the third quarter, the EKU defense forced a three-and-out possession by Austin Peay, which ended on a tackle-for-loss by Caldwell. The native of Chattanooga, Tenn., then followed with a 69-yard return down the right sideline for a touchdown.

It marked the first punt return for a touchdown by a Colonel in seven years.

In the Austin Peay game, Caldwell averaged 26 yards on one kick-off return and 33.7 yards on three punt returns. As a defense back, the junior finished with three tackles and intercepted a pass on the EKU five-yard line to end a Governors drive early in the fourth quarter.

Caldwell finished the 2010 campaign by setting a new program single-season record for kick-off return average (33.7 yards per return). He recorded a punt return, kick return and interception return for a touchdown this year.

The other weekly award winners were Tennessee Tech’s Cass Barnes (Co-Offensive), Murray State’s Casey Brockman (Co-Offensive), Tennessee Tech’s Richmond Tooley (Defensive) and Tennessee Tech’s Jocques Crawford (Newcomer).

The Colonels (6-5, 5-2 OVC) concluded the 2010 season on a four-game winning streak to finish tied for second in the OVC.