Marshall University Athletics
Jayden Harrison Named SBC Special Teams Player of Week
11/13/2023 2:00:00 PM | Football
Rasheen Ali also honored by East-West Shrine Bowl following Saturday win
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall wide receiver/kick returner Jayden Harrison was named as the Sun Belt Conference's Special Teams Player of the Week on Monday.
Harrison returned the opening kickoff of the game 98 yards for a touchdown to give Marshall instant momentum in the win, which came in the "We Are … Playing for the '75'" game.
It was the second straight home game that Harrison had a kickoff return for a touchdown. He also had a 94-yard kickoff return for a score against James Madison on Oct. 19.
The kickoff return for a touchdown is the third of Harrison's career and the second time in his career that he's started a game with a kickoff return for a score – the other being his 99-yard kickoff return against Florida Atlantic in 2021.
Harrison now currently leads all eligible FBS kick returners in yards per return, averaging 32.5 yards per kickoff return.
The announcement on Harrison was part of two accolades received by Thundering Herd players on Monday following Saturday's 38-33 win over Georgia Southern.
In addition to Harrison, Marshall running back Rasheen Ali was honored by the East-West Shrine Bowl as its Offensive Breakout Player of the Week.
Ali rushed for 165 yards and three touchdowns to lead Marshall in its win over Georgia Southern on Saturday.
Ali's most impressive run came when the Thundering Herd needed it most. Trailing 26-24 early in the fourth quarter, Ali lined up behind center and took a direct snap from center off the left side, following his blocks for a 55-yad touchdown that put Marshall up for good.
Ali also had touchdown runs of 2 and 9 yards – the final of which capped the scoring for the Herd's win after a defensive stop.
The three-touchdown performance marked the sixth time in nine games Ali has played in this season that he's scored multiple touchdowns. Ali ranks in the top-10 in FBS in both rushing touchdowns (14, 4th in FBS) and scoring per game (10.0, 8th in FBS).
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