BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Freshman running back Jaren Walker was named the Patriot League Rookie of the Week on Monday, it was announced. The Las Vegas native rushed for a career-high 94 yards on 21 carries and also added two receptions for 27 yards in Lehigh’s 38-10 victory over Bucknell. Walker becomes the second Mountain Hawk to receive this honor in 2007, joining classmate Kwesi Kankam who captured two Rookie of the Week accolades earlier in the season.
Walker led a Mountain Hawks rushing attack that churned out 238 yards on 48 carries with his career-day. Walker’s totals in carries, rushing yards, and receiving yards were all career-highs and helped the Mountain Hawks to a 24-0 showing in the second half versus the Bison.
For the season Walker has moved to the top of the leader board in rushing yards for the Brown and White. The first-year tailback has gained 375 yards on 88 carries and scored once, while adding 55 receiving yards on four receptions. Over the course of the past two weeks, in which he has started both games, Walker has totaled 163 yards on the ground, which has come on 37 carries. Should Walker be the team’s leading rusher at the conclusion of the season, he would be the first true freshman to lead Lehigh in rushing since 1985 when Lee Blum accomplished the feat.
Walker and the rest of the Mountain Hawks return to action on Saturday afternoon when they welcome archrival Lafayette to Goodman Stadium in the 143rd meeting of college football’s most played rivalry. Kick off is set for just after 12:30 and for fans who won’t be at the stadium, the game will be televised live on WFMZ-TV, as well as Fox Sports Net Pittsburgh, Fox College Sports Atlantic and Lehighsports.com. Audio coverage of the contest will get underway at 11:00 AM on ESPN Radio 1230 and 1320 as well as Lehighsports.com.
