University of Memphis Athletics
Photo by: BRETT ROJO/For the University of
Gainwell Named FWAA Freshman of the Year Semifinalist
Dec 23, 2019 | Football
MEMPHIS – Freshman running back Kenneth Gainwell was named one of seven semifinalists for the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Year Award Monday afternoon.
Gainwell, also a second team All-America honoree on the Sporting News and AFCA teams, was named the American Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year and was a unanimous selection to the AAC All-Conference team earlier this year.
The Yazoo City, Mississippi native has 1,425 rushing yards and ranks first among freshmen and ninth nationally in total rushing yards. He also ranks first among freshmen and sixth nationally with 1,957 all-purpose yards and set a Memphis freshman record with seven 100-yard rushing games, six consecutive, breaking the mark held by DeAngelo Williams in 2002.
With a team-leading 12 rushing touchdowns this season, Gainwell ranks 21st nationally.
The three finalists for the award will be named after January 1, with the players released in New Orleans the morning of the CFP Championship Game at the annual FWAA Awards Breakfast.
Gainwell and his Tiger teammates are currently in Dallas in preparation for the progam's first-ever appearance at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. The game kicks at 11:05 am (CT) on ESPN on Saturday, December 28.
Gainwell, also a second team All-America honoree on the Sporting News and AFCA teams, was named the American Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year and was a unanimous selection to the AAC All-Conference team earlier this year.
The Yazoo City, Mississippi native has 1,425 rushing yards and ranks first among freshmen and ninth nationally in total rushing yards. He also ranks first among freshmen and sixth nationally with 1,957 all-purpose yards and set a Memphis freshman record with seven 100-yard rushing games, six consecutive, breaking the mark held by DeAngelo Williams in 2002.
With a team-leading 12 rushing touchdowns this season, Gainwell ranks 21st nationally.
The three finalists for the award will be named after January 1, with the players released in New Orleans the morning of the CFP Championship Game at the annual FWAA Awards Breakfast.
Gainwell and his Tiger teammates are currently in Dallas in preparation for the progam's first-ever appearance at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. The game kicks at 11:05 am (CT) on ESPN on Saturday, December 28.
Players Mentioned
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