NEW HAVEN, Conn. (JMU Athletics) – James Madison quarterback Alonza Barnett III added another major national honor to his ledger, as he was named the Walter Camp National FBS Offensive Player of the Week, as announced Tuesday by the Walter Camp Football Foundation.
This is the first time in program history a JMU player has garnered this award, which is now in its 21st season. It is also the nation’s longest running Player of the Week award.
In Saturday’s 70-50 victory at North Carolina, Barnett III set a JMU single-game record with seven total touchdowns, as he became the first Sun Belt Conference player to record five passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns in the same game.
In what was a career outing for the Whitsett, N.C., native, he finished the game 22-of-34 for 388 passing yards and five touchdowns while rushing 13 times for 99 yards (7.6 avg) and two scores. His 487 total yards ranked third in JMU single-game history, while his 388 passing total was tied for seventh.
JMU, which was named Cheez-It National Team of the Week, recorded its most points ever against a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent and as a member of the Sun Belt. The scoring output nearly doubled its previous high against an autonomy five team, besting the 36 they scored at Virginia last season.
The Dukes posted an astounding 53-points in the first half, which set a single-half scoring record, and the 70 points was a Kenan Stadium record by a road team and tied for the most point the Tar Heels had ever given up. Additionally, JMU set a national record for most points scored by a Group of Five program on the road at the power-conference team.
Additionally, Barnett III was selected as the Davey O’Brien National Co-Quarterback of the Week alongside Navy quarterback Blake Horvath. This comes after both players were selected as a Davey O’Brien Award Great 8 honoree following week four.
On Monday, Barnett III was also named Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week, Associated Press National Player of the Week and was one of eight players who were named a Manning Award Star of the Week.
— JMU Athletics —
