THE HILL | Alabama A&M University Athletics has selected football wide receiver Jordan Chambers-Smith and women's cross country standout Laura Avila as the latest Dawgs of the Week, recognizing their standout performances for the Bulldogs.

Chambers-Smith turned in a strong performance against No. 23 Jackson State in the Ninth Annual Gulf Coast Challenge on Saturday, Oct. 3, providing one of Alabama A&M's biggest offensive plays of the afternoon.

The sophomore wide receiver hauled in two receptions for 85 yards and one touchdown in the Bulldogs' 31-28 setback to the Tigers. His biggest play came in the first quarter when Chambers-Smith connected with quarterback Cornelious Brown IV on a 67-yard touchdown reception, tying the game at 7-7 with 3:53 remaining in the opening quarter.

The Tuscaloosa, Alabama, native entered the 2026 campaign following a productive freshman season in which he recorded 24 receptions for 282 yards and two touchdowns. He also contributed on special teams, returning 13 punts for 114 yards.

Avila continued her impressive senior campaign by capturing the individual title at the Louisville Classic on Saturday, Oct. 3.

The senior completed the 5K course in 18:20.2, finishing 4.8 seconds ahead of Bellarmine's Kynzlei Bassett and leading Alabama A&M to the Silver Division team championship.

Avila's victory helped the Bulldogs place five runners inside the top 10 and finish with 27 points, 58 points ahead of runner-up Bellarmine. The championship marked Alabama A&M's third consecutive team title, following victories at the Legacy Series Invite and Southern Showcase.

The Medellin, Colombia, native has been a consistent force for the Bulldogs throughout the 2026 season. Earlier this season, Avila won the individual title at the Legacy Series Invite with a season-best time of 18:51.4 and earned SWAC Women's Cross Country Runner of the Week honors.

Chambers-Smith and the Bulldogs return home Saturday, Oct. 10, when Alabama A&M hosts Bethune-Cookman at Louis Crews Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Avila and the Bulldogs will close out the fall season at the SWAC Cross Country Championships on Tuesday, Oct. 27, in Tallahassee, Florida.

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