Freshman running back Jaylan Thomas was named Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Offensive Rookie of the Year for 2018 in a press release from the CAA league offices on Tuesday, Nov. 20.
This season, Thomas appeared in seven games, including the last five of the season after coming in for senior running back Malcolm Summers, who suffered a season-ending re-injury of his hamstring during the team’s win over James Madison University. Thomas accumulated 99 rushing attempts, that racked up 723 yards and four touchdowns. His longest run of the year came against the University of Rhode Island when he sprung free for an 86-yard score, which helped him hit a career-high 222 yards on the ground that day. The Carrollton, Georgia, native also hauled in seven receptions for 77 yards and one receiving touchdown for the Phoenix.
The freshman phenom will get at least one more chance to show his worth this season when Elon takes on the Wofford College Terriers Saturday, Nov. 24, in Spartanburg, South Carolina.