“Big-man touchdowns” are some of the most entertaining and unique plays in football.

But when Gulf Shores nose guard Gabriel Ervin scooped up a loose ball and rumbled his way down the field for a 79-yard score last Friday, it didn’t look like the usual lineman touchdown.

Instead, Ervin seemed comfortable with the pigskin in his hands, and the play was just another example of the 265-pounder’s incredible athleticism.

Already holding offers from the likes of Tennessee, Texas Tech and South Florida, Ervin continued to shine in his team’s 34-10 win over St. Paul’s, and his efforts earned him Gulf Coast Media’s latest Athlete of the Week honor after public voting concluded Tuesday evening.

The dynamic nose guard finished with five total tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, a pair of fumble recoveries and the aforementioned scoop-and-score.

Ervin’s recruitment will only continue to take off as he produces more film like he has early this year, while Mark Hudspeth and his staff are likely glad they get to have the nose guard on their team for another year.

Ervin and Gulf Shores (2-0) next pay a visit to Saraland at 7 p.m. on Friday for a marquee matchup.

Our other nominees for the week include Fairhope running back Nic Ronsisvalle, Bayside Academy setter Sophie Hester and Daphne quarterback Christian Segar.

And be sure to check back here Monday at noon to cast your vote in GCM’s next Athlete of the Week ballot!