Oregon State running back AJ Newberry got national recognition on Tuesday afternoon after his big day against Washington State earned him one of 10 honorable mentions for The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award National Player of the Week for the seventh week of the college football season.
Newberry was a major reason the Beavers rolled past the Cougars 48-30 in Corvallis. He handled 11 carries for 105 rushing yards and added five receptions for 120 yards and a touchdown through the air, turning in a rare all-around performance. In the process, the transfer from Vanderbilt became the first Oregon State player in more than 20 years to top 100 yards both rushing and receiving in the same game.
“He played hard. He played like he was frustrated, and wanted to find a way to play better for this football team,” head coach JaMarcus Shephard said postgame of his running back.
“I always want our guys to have a little chip on their shoulders, and he does. I just told him 'thank you for trusting us.'
You know,he could've went to a lot of other schools and decided to come here.And you know what, he played really really well today. Tonight it was a special experience watching him play the game that way.”
The award recognition fits with what Newberry has done so far this season. Through Oregon State’s first seven games, he has rushed 65 times for 431 yards, an average of 6.6 yards per carry, and three touchdowns. He has also been a factor in the passing game with 24 catches for 288 yards and another score.
Newberry’s eligibility for the award lines up with the honor’s requirements, since he is a native of Grand Prairie, Texas and a graduate of South Grand Prairie High School. Players considered for the award must have played football and graduated from a Texas high school, and/or be playing at a four-year Division I Texas college.
Oregon State is off to a 5-2 start and has won five straight. The Beavers have averaged 527 yards per game during that stretch, a figure that ranks among the top five in FBS. Their bye week comes this weekend, and they will return to action on Saturday, October 31, when they travel to Fresno State.
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