Ran Sawyer, a sophomore at Southern Utah University, has been named the Big Sky Conference Special Teams Player of the Week according to an October 5 report. The honor followed Sawyer's performance during the Thunderbirds' 46-33 win against Utah Tech.
During the game at Greater Zion Stadium in St. George, Sawyer returned two kickoffs for a total of 138 yards. This included a 99-yard touchdown return that occurred 17 seconds after Utah Tech had taken a 17-15 lead with 13:18 remaining in the second quarter. The successful return gave the Thunderbirds a 22-17 lead, a lead they did not lose for the remainder of the game.
Head Football Coach DeLane Fitzgerald stated that Sawyer has the ability to change the game every time he touches the football. Fitzgerald noted that the return was a significant play and highlighted Sawyer's hard work in becoming a complete player capable of contributing in the return game, the backfield, and as a receiver. Sawyer, who played at Dixie High School in his hometown of St. George, also recorded a 39-yard return in the first quarter and five carries for nine yards from the running back position.
This was the second kickoff return touchdown of Sawyer's career. His first occurred on Sept. 13, 2025, against Northern Arizona at Eccles Coliseum, which earned him United Athletic Conference Freshman of the Week honors. Through four games this season, Sawyer has accumulated 287 all-purpose yards, including 238 kickoff return yards on seven returns, averaging 34.0 yards per return.
The Thunderbirds are scheduled for a bye this week before they host UC Davis on Oct. 17. The game is scheduled to kick off at 6:00 p.m. MT.
