MEMPHIS – Freshman running back Kenneth Gainwell was named to the Sporting News' All-America team, Tuesday. Gainwell was named a second team honoree at the list's athlete position after a season that saw him earn American Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year and unanimous first team all-conference honors.
Gainwell, a native of Yazoo City, Mississippi, had a breakout season for Memphis. He ranks first among the nation's freshmen with 1,338 rushing yards. Thanks to an additional 512 receiving yards, Gainwell currently ranks eighth in the nation in all-purpose yards (1,850) and was a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award.