The future of the Louisville running back corps looks very bright. When the circumstances of the season pressed redshirt freshman RB Jalen Mitchell into action, we all saw glimpses of what he could do as Louisville’s feature back. It culminated in an excellent performance against Wake Forest that earned him ACC Rookie of the Week honors.
Turning a career day in to ACC Rookie of the Week honors!
— Louisville Football (@UofLFootball) December 14, 2020
👏 @_JalenMitchell 👏
Details: https://t.co/RitA9jm7Nw#GoCards pic.twitter.com/XYeHJu0GmB
Mitchell had a big day, running for 168 yards on 20 carries. He averaged a whopping 8.4 yards per carry. This included a spectacular burst through the middle of the line for a 70 yard scamper. Mitchell may end up be the starting back for the Cardinal offense next year. This year, in limited action, he finished with 347 yards and 2 rushing TDs while averaging an excellent 6.7 yards per carry. He also had 4 receptions out of the backfield for 33 yards.
Read more about Mitchell and his honor by reading UofL’s press release below:
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT:
Louisville’s Mitchell Named the ACC Rookie of the Week
The freshman rushed for 168 yards in the win over Wake Forest.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 14, 2020
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – University of Louisville redshirt freshman running back Jalen Mitchell was named the Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Week, the league announced on Monday.
Mitchell had a career day, carrying 20 times for 168 yards in the 45-21 win over Wake Forest on Saturday, the eighth-most ever by a Louisville freshman. He averaged a solid 8.4 yards per carry as the Cardinals totaled 254 yards on the ground and four touchdowns in the win over the Demon Deacons.
The native of Southwest Brevard, Fla., became the 10thLouisville freshman to rush for at least 150 yards in a game. He also added a career long 70-yard run — the fourth rush of at least 70 yards this season and sixth play from scrimmage of at least 70 yards for the Cardinals this season.
Mitchell finished his first season third on the team in rushing with 347 yards and two touchdowns.
