BEAUMONT – Despite the fact Lamar University’s victory at No. 3 Sam Houston State was more than a week ago, the Cardinals are still receiving national recognition for the win. Junior running back Kade Harrington has been named the American Sports Network’s FCS National Player of the Week announced network officials Monday morning.
“I have to give all the credit to my offensive line,” said Harrington following the game in Huntsville. “Those guys do a great job of blocking up front which makes my job very simple. It is easy to run the football when all you have to do is run in a straight line.”
The ASN National Player of the Week is slightly different than the previous honors LU has been receiving. This honor is awarded based on fan voting over the internet. Harrington went head-to-head against Steve Cluley (William & Mary), Zack Bednarczyk (Villanova) and Chima Uzowihe (Liberty). The LU running back received 82 percent of the vote to receive the award, and received more raw votes than the other three players combined.
Harrington posted a career night against the third-ranked Bearkats, moving into second on the school’s all-time list for most 100-yard rushing performances. The Kingwood, Texas native did more than just rush for 100 yards in Cards second-ever win in Huntsville – and their first since 1959.
Harrington accounted for a school-record 313 all-purpose yards in the victory. He carried the ball 24 times for 230 yards and two touchdowns, and also caught two passes for 83 yards and a score. The 313-yard performance set a school record which had stood for nearly 63 years. It was also just the fifth 200-yard rushing performance by an LU player in program history and the first since 1985. Harrington’s 230 yards on the ground was second only to former All-American Burton Murchison who recorded a 259-yard performance during the 1985 season.
The Cardinals return to action this week with their third-straight road game. Lamar will be in Hammond, La., Thursday to take on nationally ranked Southeastern Louisiana. The game against the Lions will kick off at 6 p.m. from Strawberry Stadium, and will be televised on ASN.