PENSACOLA, Fla. - Byron Puryear, a redshirt senior defensive end was named the United Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week in the first weekly award honors of the season. 

Puryear, who returned to the Argos after battling injuries the last two seasons was a key piece on the defensive front that helped UWF win its first game of the FCS era by defeating No. 16 Southern Illinois at home on Thursday night, 34-31. 

The Chicago, Ill. native made seven total tackles with three being tackles for loss. Puryear also recorded a sack and had a quarterback hurry in the win. 

The Argos will travel to Central Arkansas for a 6 p.m. game on Saturday, Sept. 5. The game will be the first UAC matchup of the season.