Darren McFadden Earns USA Today National Player of the Week Honors

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas tailback Darren McFadden continues to bask in the national spotlight in the wake of Arkansas’ 31-14 win over No. 13 Tennessee. For the second time this season, McFadden captured national player of the week honors from USA Today.

The sophomore from Little Rock, Ark., racked up 216 total yards including 181 yards rushing, 12 yards passing, six yards receiving and 17 yards on kickoff returns in the Razorbacks’ win. He rushed for two touchdowns and completed a 12-yard pass to junior wide receiver Marcus Monk.

McFadden lined up 12 times at quarterback rushing twice for scores and throwing for another. The Razorbacks earned a total of 126 yards on the dozen plays with McFadden taking the snap.

“People all over the nation are getting to see what people in the Southeastern Conference already knew, that Darren McFadden is the most versatile offensive weapon in the nation,” Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt said. “He can hurt you so many ways it is difficult to key in on just one part of his game. He has a tremendous supporting cast starting with the guys up front. It is a group effort and everyone deserves credit.”

Each week during the season, readers select their pick for USA Today’s Player of the Week. A fan vote comprises one-third of the award with votes also going to USA Today college football editor Erick Smith and Gannett columnist Mike Lopresti. McFadden won the award with the support of fan balloting and a vote from Lopresti.

Other nominees for the award this week included Michigan wide receiver Steve Breaston, Navy quarterback Kaipo-Noa Enhada, Florida defensive end Jarvis Moss and East Stroudsburg (Pa.) quarterback Jimmy Terwilliger.

The USA Today honor was the second national honor of the week for McFadden. He was also named as The Sporting News Radio College Football Player of the Week for his efforts against Tennessee.