Jonaz Walton ran for 181 yards and scored twice on just 13 carries in Notre Dame’s 58-7 rout of Stanford, earning him the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week award. The true freshman running back’s explosive display on Saturday caught the attention of the college football world and added to his already impressive start to the season.
Walton’s performance lifted the No. 2 Fighting Irish, as ranked by the US LBM Coaches Poll, to a dominant victory. His 181 rushing yards came at an average of nearly 14 yards per carry, a figure well above his season average of 7.9 yards per attempt. Over the first two weekends, Walton has accumulated 409 yards on 52 carries, showing rare efficiency and power for a player in his first collegiate season.
The Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week award is given to the top-performing freshman running back each week and acts as a lead-up to the season’s Freshman of the Year honor. The weekly accolade reflects Walton’s role in Notre Dame’s offense as a dynamic threat out of the backfield.
Notre Dame Football confirmed Walton’s recognition on their official Twitter account, posting, “Jonaz Walton is the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week! #GoIrish,” alongside a clip of the standout back.
Walton’s two touchdowns in the Stanford game helped extend the Fighting Irish’s lead early and kept the pressure on the Cardinal throughout. His ability to break tackles and find open space was on full display, as Notre Dame’s offense consistently moved the chains.
The win against Stanford was Notre Dame’s second straight blowout, with Walton emerging as a key contributor alongside a strong overall team performance. His rushing yards and scoring have given the Irish a reliable option to maintain offensive balance and control the clock.
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After his breakout weekend, Walton’s recognition as Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week positions him as one of the leading candidates for the season’s top freshman running back award. The Fighting Irish will look to continue leveraging his talent as the college football season progresses.
According to Yahoo Sports.