Clemson Trio Wins Weekly Awards - WMBFNews.com, Myrtle Beach/Florence SC, Weather

Clemson Trio Wins Weekly Awards

Posted: Updated:
CLEMSON, SC -

Clemson running back Andre Ellington and center Dalton Freeman headline a list of eight players named as the Atlantic Coast Conference Football Players of the Week, announced by the conference on Tuesday. Ellington rushed for a nation-leading 228 yards and Freeman played every snap at center as the Tigers defeated No. 25 Auburn, 26-19.
 
OFFENSIVE BACK – Andre Ellington, Clemson, Sr., RB, 5-9, 195, Moncks Corner, S.C.
Ellington gained 228 yards rushing in 25 carries to lead Clemson to a 26-19 victory over 25th ranked Auburn in the season opener in Atlanta.  Ellington's total was the most in the nation this weekend, the most by a Clemson running back against an SEC team in history, and the most in a season opener.  Ellington had 80 yards rushing in eight carries in the fourth quarter when he set up two scores with long runs. The 228 yards ranks as the fifth-best effort by an ACC back against a ranked opponent. Ellington was named the National Running Back of the Week by College Football Performers and is one of four candidates for the National Player of the Week by ESPN.  Voting will take place during this week. The Berkeley alum was also named the national Offensive Player of the Week by the Maxwell Football Club.
 
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN – Dalton Freeman, Clemson, Sr., C, 6-5, 285, Pelion, S.C.
Freeman played every snap (87) at center and graded a team best 94 percent in the win over Auburn.  Freeman had five knockdown blocks to lead the team in that category as well. The senior directed the Clemson offense from a pace standpoint, as the Tigers ran 87 plays for 528 yards, including 320 rushing yards.  It was the most rushing yards in a game for Clemson in three years.   Clemson ran for 137 yards in the fourth quarter and many of the key blocks were provided by Freeman.

Junior kicker Chandler Catanzaro also received national honors on Tuesday for their performances in Clemson's 26-19 win over Auburn this past Saturday. Catanzaro was one of five Stars of the Week by the Lou Groza Award.            

Catanzaro kicked four field goals in four attempts in the win over Auburn.  His performance included a 40 yarder and a 37 yarder.  The native of Greenville, SC has now made 12 consecutive field goals, just two short of the Clemson record of 14 in a row held by Obed Ariri in 1980.