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 Freshman RB Michael Johnson was named the Southern Conference Freshman of the Week today by the conference office. |
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Nov. 9, 2009
Cullowhee, N.C. - On the strength of a career-high 116 rushing yards in last Saturday's game against No. 6 Elon, Western Carolina running back Michael Johnson was today named the Southern Conference Freshman of the Week by the conference office. Johnson became the first opposing rusher to top the century mark this season against the nation's fourth-toughest run defense.
Tallying his first career honor from the SoCon, Johnson is the second Catamount to garner the SoCon's weekly top-rookie plaudits joining backfield counterpart Dion Wilson who was honored after his two touchdown performance in WCU's home win over The Citadel back on Oct. 17.
Johnson rushed eight times for 93 yards in the first half, nearly eclipsing the century mark in the opening two quarters. The Decatur, Ga., native set the tone early, ripping off a career-long 31-yard rush on just his second carry of the afternoon. He finished with 116 yards on 16 carries, averaging 7.2 yards per rush.
Johnson added 31 receiving yards on four catches for a team-leading - and career-best - 147 all-purpose yards. His 147 yards also was a season-high, a yard more than classmate George Richardson's 146 all-purpose yards against Furman.
Western Carolina hits the road for its next-to-last game of the 2009 season, stepping out of SoCon play to face Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) front-runner, Eastern Kentucky, this Saturday, Nov. 14. Kickoff from Roy Kidd Stadium in Richmond, Ky., is set for 1:00 pm.
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