After rushing for 2 touchdowns during NIU football’s 34-20 victory on Saturday against the University of Massachusetts, redshirt freshman Jaylen Poe was awarded his first career HOTW.
Replacing senior starting running back Antario Brown late in the second quarter, Poe left the first half with 7 yards. Poe flipped the script in the second half, rushing for 91 of his 98 total rushing yards and 2 touchdowns.
His first touchdown came early in the third quarter, evening the game with a 22-yard rush.
Poe’s second touchdown came shortly after and created NIU’s first lead since the beginning of the first quarter. After rushing for 18 yards on the previous play, he found the end zone thanks to a 3-yard rush.
Poe’s impact continued as he nearly returned a kick return for a touchdown, instead getting taken down at UMass’ 4-yard line.
The return set up the game- sealing touchdown, ensuring the Huskies’ win three plays later.
Next week’s Huskie of the Week will be announced Oct. 14.
The Northern Star sports section’s Huskie of the Week is voted for on a weekly basis. Student-athletes considered for this week’s edition were chosen based on their weekly performance in competitions taking place from Oct. 1 to Oct. 7.
