Sept. 12, 2011

LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky true freshman tailback Josh Clemons has been named the Southeastern Conference’s Co-Freshman of the Week after his superb rushing performance in Kentucky’s home opening win over Central Michigan on Saturday, the league office announced Monday.

Clemons put together one of the best rushing performances by a true freshman in school history Saturday, totaling 126 yards on just 14 carries. The native of Fayetteville, Ga., did most of his damage on his 87-yard touchdown rush that was the fourth-longest rush in school history and the longest rush by a UK player since 1970. The impressive run was the longest ever by a UK freshman.  

Clemons leads the Wildcats in rushing this season with 165 yards on 25 carries and two touchdowns, both of which have been game-winning scores for Kentucky. The freshman currently sit eighth in the SEC and 58th in the nation in rushing, averaging 82.5 yards per game, while he is second among true freshmen running backs.

In his first collegiate game against Western Kentucky, Clemons became the first true freshman running back to score a rushing touchdown in his first collegiate season opener since Donnell Gordon in 1993.