Darren McFadden Named SEC Freshman of the Week

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas freshman Darren McFadden has been named the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week for last weekend’s performance against No. 21 Auburn it was announced by the league office on Monday.

McFadden rushed for 108 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries against the Tigers. He averaged 8.3 yards per carry in racking up his second consecutive 100-yard rushing game. He scored on touchdown runs of five yards and 17 yards for his fifth and sixth rushing touchdowns of the season. He also made three receptions and returned a kickoff 20 yards against the Tigers. He earned a total of 129 all-purpose yards.

“I am proud of Darren and what he has accomplished this season,” Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt said. “He continues to run hard and use the holes that our offensive line has made for him. He is a talented back and will continue to have a big role in our offense.”

McFadden boasted seven runs of five yards or more against Auburn including runs of 35, 28 and 17 yards. He rushed for four first downs and two touchdowns. He is only the third UA freshman (Matt Jones, Felix Jones) to rush for 100-yards or more twice in his true freshman season. In fact, he has earned 70 or more rushing yards in five of his six collegiate games.

He leads the Razorbacks in rushing with 492 yards and six touchdowns on 55 carries. His 82.0 yards-per-game average on the ground ranks sixth in the SEC and 45th in the nation. His 8.9 yards per-carry average is the highest of any SEC running back rated in the top 10 in rushing yardage. The next highest per rush average is 7.3 yards per carry by his UA teammate Jones.

McFadden is the second Razorback to win freshman of the week honors this season. Jones garnered the inaugural honor this season for his 137-yard rushing performance against Missouri State in the season opener.