SEC announces awards following Week 1 of college football
With Week 1 of college football in the books, the SEC announced its weekly awards Monday. Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson was named the Offensive Player of the Week, while Georgia safety Christopher Smith and Arkansas linebacker Bumper Pool shared Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Richardson dazzled in just his second career start this past week as the Gators upset No. 7 Utah. The sophomore finished with 274 yards of total offense, including 106 yards rushing and three scores on the ground. He became just the third Florida player since 1996 to rush for three touchdowns and pass for 150 yards, joining Tim Tebow and Jesse Palmer.
One of three returning starters for the Georgia defense, Smith helped the Bulldogs to hold No. 11 Oregon without a touchdown in a 49-3 victory on Saturday. He finished the game with six tackles (one for loss) and an interception.
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Pool led the Arkansas defense with 13 tackles in a 31-24 victory against No. 23 Cincinnati. It was the 27th career start for the senior and marked the 18th time that he has recorded double-digit tackles.
Vanderbilt receiver Jayden McGowan was named SEC Freshman of the Week after recording four catches for 116 yards and a touchdown. His highlight of the day came on 75-yard touchdown reception as the Commodores handed Hawaii a 63-10 loss.
Another freshman, Kentucky receiver Barion Brown was named Special Teams Player of the Week. He opened the second half by returning the kickoff 100 yards for a touchdowns, becoming the first Wildcats player to do so in 13 years. He also caught three passes for 45 yards.
Other than the five players already mentioned, the SEC also named Co-Offensive and Defensive Linemen of the Week. View the full list of Week 1 awards below.
SEC football Week 1 awards
Offensive Player of the Week
QB Anthony Richardson, Florida
Co-Defensive Players of the Week
S Christopher Smith, Georgia
LB Bumper Pool, Arkansas
Freshman of the Week
WR Jayden McGowan, Vanderbilt
Special Teams Player of the Week
WR Barrion Brown, Kentucky
Co-Offensive Linemen of the Week
C LaQuinston Sharp, Mississippi State
Co-Defensive Linemen of the Week
DE Brenton Cox Jr., Florida
DE Jordan Domineck, Arkansas