VALDOSTA – The Valdosta State defense served as the driving force behind Saturday’s 16-7 season opening win over Albany State, and Dante Robinson’s dazzling performance earned the Valdosta, Ga. native his first career Gulf South Conference Defensive Player of the Week honor.

“Dante has been a great surprise for us this year,” said Head Coach Kerwin Bell on Monday after learning of the honor for Robinson. “He works extremely hard, he goes to class, and he’s always just where he is supposed to be. He is developing into a leader for us on the defensive side of the ball, and he is exactly the kind of guy we want to have in our program.

Robinson, a product of Lowdes High School, recorded six total tackles on the week, three of which were solo takedowns. His biggest contribution, however, came on the two interceptions he hauled in during the second half of Saturday’s come-from-behind victory.

The first pick occurred in Albany State’s red zone and served as monumental momentum shifter, setting the Blazer offense up at the Golden Rams’ five yard line. On the ensuing drive, VSU capitalized with their first touchdown of the game to take a 10-7 lead late in the third quarter.

Robinson’s second interception, which occurred deep in Valdosta State territory, served a different purpose and helped deny ASU a scoring opportunity early in the fourth quarter.

“We’re proud of Dante,” added Bell. “He played extremely well, and his turnovers are two big reasons why we were able to win that football game. We’re proud of him, especially as a local guy and a graduate of Lowndes High School right here in Valdosta.”

Valdosta State has an off week before returning to action on the road against the rival Lions of North Alabama on September 17th in Florence, Ala. The matchup will represent VSU’s first GSC matchup of the 2016 season.