AlexisBwenge

Came on strong late in the spring to earn the starting nod going into August … The position remains open, however, and he will have to continue to outpace his competitors … An intelligent player who also saw some action at fullback during the spring; has the toughness and smarts to play both running back spots … Had 12 carries for 64 yards and three touchdowns in the Blue/White Spring Game … Played the backup role last season behind the SEC Offensive Player of the Year, Artose Pinner … Has good toughness and has shown the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield … Has played in 12 games with one start.

2002 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in all 12 games, including a start in the season finale at Tennessee … Rushed for a season-high 34 yards on 10 carries against the Volunteers … Finished the season with 81 yards on 29 attempts, including a long gain of 10 yards … Caught five passes for 29 yards, including an 18-yard pickup against Texas-El Paso … Member of the kickoff and punt return units that helped Derek Abney take back six kicks for touchdowns … Earned his first varsity letter.

2001 (Freshman): Redshirted.

High School: Running back prospect with a good combination of size, speed, and power … Played two years for Champlain Prep of Lennoxville, Quebec, helping lead his team to a pair of conference championships … Named the Conference Offensive Player of the Year last season … In eight regular season games, he rushed 111 times for 712 yards, a 6.4-yard average, and nine touchdowns … Led the league in rushing and scoring … Added 145 yards in the conference semifinal playoff game … Chosen the Offensive Player of the Game in the conference championship, rushed for 156 yards and scored all three of his team’s TDs in a 21-12 win … Also returned punts and kickoffs for Champlain, averaging 25 yards per kickoff return and 9.4 yards on punt returns … Played both running back and receiver during the 1999 season … Rushed 88 times for 517 yards, 5.9 per carry, and four touchdowns … Caught nine pass passes for 169 yards and three TDs as a receiver … Was the runner-up for Conference Rookie of the Year … “Alexis is a strong and powerful runner, with great vision, quickness, and speed,” said Champlain Prep Coach Tony Addona. “He also catches the ball well and is a fierce competitor.” … Also a forward in basketball, helping lead Champlain to the provincial championship … Prior to Champlain, he played five years of football at Seminaire St. Francois HS for Coach Luc Savois.

Personal: Full name is Alexis Rukundo Bwenge … Name is pronounced “ah-LEX-ee buh-GEENG-ee” … Born 10-19-81 in Quebec City, Quebec … Son of Mariette Dumas … Major is political science.

The Cats’ Cause: Served meals at the Hope Center (2001) … Participated in a service event at the Ronald McDonald House (2001 and 2002).

Bwenge Career Statistics

Year Pos.    Att. Yds. Avg. TD Long Rec. Yds. Avg. TD Long2002 Tailback 29   81  2.9   0  10   5    29  5.8   0  18