NEW ORLEANS - Memphis running back Kenneth Gainwell, who led all freshmen nationally in rushing yards in his rookie season, was named as the 2019 FWAA/Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year presented by Stand Together.
The announcement was made at the annual Football Writers Association of America Awards Breakfast in advance of Monday's College Football Playoff National Championship.
Gainwell was chosen as the national freshman of the year from a group of three finalists, including North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell and LSU defensive back Derek Stingley Jr. The award was presented for the first time in 2018, when Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence was the winner.