VIDEO: Jayden Sullins postgame interview
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Carson-Newman junior fullback Jayden Sullins has picked up Tennessee Sports Writers' Association state offensive player of the week honors following his record-book altering day against Barton, the organization announced Tuesday afternoon.
Sullins raced to 261 yards on 31 carries in the Eagles' 28-17 win over Barton, Saturday. He also accounted for a 13-yard touchdown.
This is Sullins' first weekly accolade. He is C-N's first TSWA offensive player of the week award winner since Braxton Westfield after C-N's win at Catawba in the 2022 regular season finale.
Sullins averaged 8.4 yards per rush with eight carries on the day that went for 10 or more yards. Included in that was a 78-yard rush on his first touch.
The 261-yards are the seventh-highest single-game total in school history.
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It was the first 200-yard rushing day for a Carson-Newman back since Troy Dendy did it against Limestone in 2021 and the first 30-plus carry day since Harlon Hill Trophy finalist Andy Hibbett hit the mark in 2014 against North Greenville.
Sullins' 31 carries are tied for the eighth-most in a game in school history. It also registers as the 39th, 200-yard rushing day all-time and the eighth 250-yard day all-time. Additionally, he is the 20th running back in SAC history to rush for 260 yards in a game.
In a bit of ignominious happenstance, Sullins seemed poised for SAC and national player of the week honors at the conclusion of the game. His rushing performance was the second-highest in Division II for the season. Then, 24 hours later, Catawba tailback LJ Turner rushed for a school-record 329 yards and five touchdowns in the Catawba Indians overtime win over Anderson to claim both of those awards.
Sullins and the rest of the Eagles will be in action Saturday at Mars Hill. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. Coverage on the Eagle Sports Network begins at noon with the AEC Tailgate Show on Joy 620 (WRJZ-AM, Knoxville), MIX 105.5 (WSEV-FM, Sevierville) and online at cneagles.com/live.
