FLORENCE, Ala. (September 2, 2024) – The United Athletic Conference released its weekly awards on Monday, naming true freshman defensive lineman Fred Vili as the UAC Freshman of the Week for games on August 31.   Playing in just his second collegiate game, Vili made notable contributions on the defensive front against FBS opponent Memphis. On the second offensive drive for Memphis, Vili tallied his first collegiate sack on 2nd and 3 to push the Tigers back 11 yards. This happened despite a holding call against Memphis, which UNA declined. The Tigers punted on the drive.   Later in the quarter, Memphis had first and goal at the one-yard line. Vili and teammate EJ Colbert stuffed the run for a one-yard loss, keeping the Tigers out of the end zone. He made a third tackle in the second quarter to finish with three for the game.   Vili is the seventh UNA player to earn a weekly award from the UAC in the last two seasons. He is also the third to win Freshman of the Week. Vili joins current teammates Jyheam Ingram and Jalen Fletcher as rookie winners, as Ingram did it last season against Austin Peay and Fletcher did it last week against SEMO.   Vili prepped at Enterprise High School, but came to the United States by way of America Samoa.   This Saturday, the Lions will host nationally-ranked Illinois State in their home opener at Braly Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. on Sept. 7.   For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  

UAC - Figure 2
Photo North Alabama Athletics
Players Mentioned

#54 Jyheam Ingram DL 6' 1" Freshman

#28 Jalen Fletcher RB 5' 7" Freshman

#57 Fred Vili DL 5' 11" Freshman
Players Mentioned

UAC - Figure 3
Photo North Alabama Athletics
#54 Jyheam Ingram 6' 1" Freshman DL

#28 Jalen Fletcher 5' 7" Freshman RB

#57 Fred Vili 5' 11" Freshman DL