FLORENCE, Ala. — The rookie takeover continues.
For the fifth time this season and the sixth time ever, the University of North Alabama claimed the United Athletic Conference Freshman of the Week award. This week’s winner is freshman running back Jalen Fletcher, announced Monday.
Fletcher touched the ball 10 times against Utah Tech and was electric with each rep, totaling 128 all-purpose yards and a touchdown in a 60-14 win. He had nine carries for 73 yards and one catch for 55 yards. The catch resulted in his first career score.
The former West Morgan High School standout averaged 12.8 yards per touch and 8.1 yards per carry against the Trailblazers, setting career-highs in rushing and receiving yards.
Fletcher joins teammate Josh Anglin as players to have won the award twice this season, as Fletcher was also the first UAC Freshman of the Week this season for his performance against Southeast Missouri.
UNA leads the United Athletic Conference with six freshman of the week awards over two seasons. Austin Peay is second with four. Fletcher and Anglin join current sophomore Jyheam Ingram and current freshman Fred Vili as past winners for UNA. Ingram, who won it last season, scored on a 40-yard scoop-and-score on Saturday for his first career touchdown.
The Lions are back in action on Saturday, Oct. 12 for Homecoming against No. 10 Abilene Christian. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Braly Stadium.