Darren McFadden Named SEC Co-Offensive Player of the Week

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas tailback Darren McFadden and Florida quarterback Chris Leak will lead their respective teams in this weekend’s Southeastern Conference Championship Game in Atlanta, Ga. On Monday, the two players were named as the SEC Co-Offensive Players of the Week for their performances last weekend.

McFadden earned 222 total yards including 182 yards and two touchdowns against No. 9 LSU. He scored on runs of one and 80 yards against the top-ranked defense in the nation. The run was the longest of McFadden’s career and the longest allowed by LSU this season. On the 80-yard play, McFadden broke Madre Hill’s single season rushing record (1,387). McFadden has a total of 1,485 yards and 14 touchdowns on 244 carries in 2006.

The sophomore also completed two passes for 33 yards against the Tigers. Arkansas earned a total of 133 yards on 16 plays with McFadden at quarterback in the “Wildcat” package.

“I’m glad to see Darren was recognized for his efforts against LSU,” Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt said. “He had an outstanding effort against the Tigers. With his versatility and the help of his teammates, he is difficult to defend. There are a lot of great players in the nation, but I wouldn’t trade Darren for any of them.”

Leak was honored for leading the Gators to a win over arch rival Florida State. The Florida quarterback completed 21-of-34 passes for 238 yards and a pair of touchdowns against the Seminoles.

McFadden is the 11th Razorback to be recognized by the SEC this season. Mitch Mustain was named freshman of the week following the Hogs’ win at Vanderbilt. Randy Kelly won defensive honors for his efforts in Arkansas’ double-overtime win over Alabama. Jonathan Luigs and Jamaal Anderson won offensive and defensive lineman of the week, respectively, in the wake of the Razorbacks’ upset of No. 2 Auburn.

Keith Jackson captured defensive lineman honors for his play against Southeast Missouri State. Felix Jones garnered special teams’ player of the week accolades for his 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Ole Miss. Senior Stephen Parker won offensive lineman of the week honors for his play against Louisiana-Monroe. Senior Anthony Brown earned special teams’ honors following the Hogs’ win at South Carolina. Senior offensive tackle Tony Ugoh was recognized as the offensive lineman of the week for his play in Arkansas’ win over Tennessee. Arkansas cornerback Chris Houston earned defensive honors in the wake of the Razorbacks’ win at Mississippi State.