Jonathan Stafford Jr., a true freshman wide receiver for Western Kentucky, was named Conference USA Freshman of the Week on Monday, the Bowling Green Daily News reported, after leading the Hilltoppers with 85 all-purpose yards in their 52-7 home win over Mercyhurst.
What He Did Saturday
Per the Daily News and BVM Sports, Stafford finished with 85 all-purpose yards, the most on the team in the Sept. 26 game at Houchens-Smith Stadium. That included six receptions for 66 yards and a 17-yard punt return.
Stafford was not among the touchdown scorers. Receiving touchdowns went to Zion Taylor, Cameron Flowers, Nigel Johnson, Ajay Allen and Quincy Burroughs, and Lofton Howard caught a 3-yard touchdown from Brock Glenn, as WBKO and the WKU Herald reported. Quarterback Rodney Tisdale Jr. threw four touchdown passes, and seven Hilltoppers scored in all.
Who He Is
Per WKU Athletics' roster page, Stafford is listed at 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds. He played at Grayson High School in Auburn, Georgia. The Gwinnett Daily Post reported his commitment to WKU, and 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN rated him a three-star prospect.
The Season So Far
Through four games, Stafford leads WKU with 20 catches for 158 yards, per the Daily News. He is second on the team with 207 all-purpose yards. The Mercyhurst win moved WKU to 1-3 after road losses at Nevada, Georgia and Indiana to open the season.
Next Up
- Opponent: New Mexico State, the Hilltoppers' Conference USA opener
- When: Thursday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m. CT (6 p.m. MT)
- Where: Las Cruces, New Mexico
- Watch: CBS Sports Network, per WKU Athletics
Fans in Bowling Green can follow the Hilltoppers on the schedule page at wkusports.com. Check the team site for any changes before kickoff.
Sources
- Bowling Green Daily News, Sept. 28: Tops' Stafford named CUSA Freshman of the Week
- BVM Sports, Sept. 28
- WKU Athletics roster, schedule and box score
- WBKO and WKU Herald game coverage