Trio of Ducks Named Pac-12 Players of the Week

If snapping the four-game losing streak against Washington State wasn’t enough, the Pac-12 honored three Oregon Ducks with player of the week honors on Monday.

Running back CJ Verdell earned the conference’s Offensive Player of the Week award for the second time in his career. The sophomore back rushed for 257 yards and 313 all-purpose yards in the Ducks 37-35 win over the Cougars. Verdell’s rushing yards are tied for fourth-most rush yards in Oregon history and matched the most rushing yards by a Duck at Autzen Stadium, according to university athletic communications; while his 313 scrimmage yards are the most by a player nationally this year.

The Pac-12 honored right guard Shane Lemieux with the Offensive Lineman of the Week award. The senior is the third different Ducks lineman to earn the honor.

Finally, kicker Camden Lewis was named the Special Teams Player of the Week. The freshman connected on his three field goal tries, including the game-winning 26-yard field goal as time expired. Lewis also made his season-long kick–a 40-yard kick in the first quarter–against the Cougars.

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From Oregon Athletic Communications:

Following Oregon’s thrilling last-second 37-35 win over Washington State on Saturday, running back CJ Verdell, right guard Shane Lemieux and kicker Camden Lewis claimed Pac-12 Conference player of the week honors on Monday.

Verdell, who rushed for 257 yards and finished with 313 all-purpose yards, earned Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week recognition for the second time in his career. The sophomore running back finished the WSU game tied for the fourth-most rushing yards in Oregon history, as well as matching the most rushing yards by a Duck at Autzen Stadium. Verdell’s 313 yards from scrimmage are the most by a player nationally this season.

Lemieux is the third different Oregon offensive lineman, and the fifth overall, to win the offensive lineman of the week award. The senior helped Oregon rush for 306 yards and graded out as the top guard in the Pac-12 and fourth nationally for the week. His 79.3 run-blocking grade was the second best among guards nationally.

Lewis claimed special teams player of the week accolades after making a game-winning 26-yard field goal as time expired to give the Ducks a two-point win. The Ducks’ freshman converted on all three of his field goal attempts, his first game with multiple FGs, while making a season-long 40-yarder in the first quarter against the Cougars.

Verdell Notes

» Earned his second Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week award (Oct. 15, 2018 vs. Washington).

» Became the first player in school history with 250 yards rushing and 50 yards receiving.

» First FBS player since Joe Mixon (Oklahoma) in 2016 to rush for 250 yards and have 50 yards receiving.

» Just the ninth FBS player since 2000 with 250 rushing and 50 receiving.

» Has two of the top three rushing games in Pac-12 Conference games this season.

» Has seven career 100-yard rushing games, including three with at least 170 yards.

Lemieux Notes

» Named midseason All-America by the Associated Press (1st Team), Pro Football Focus (2nd Team) and The Athletic (2nd Team).

» Named to the PFF National Team of the Week following the game for the second time this season (Colorado).

» Tied for third in ranking among guards in the Pac-12 Conference by PFF.

» Has started all 46 games Oregon has played during his career.

Lewis Notes

» First Oregon place kicker to win the Pac-12 honor since Matt Evensen (Oct. 25, 2008).

» Has converted on five of his eight field goal attempts as a true freshman.

» Has made his last five FG attempts dating back to the game against California.

» Is 3-for-4 in FG attempts over 30 yards.

» Is second on the team in scoring with 45 points.

» His 11 points against Washington State were a season high.