WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Monmouth University freshman running back Kenny Smith Jr. has been named the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Rookie of the Week for the second consecutive week, the league announced Monday.
 
Smith Jr. continued his standout freshman season with a team-high 163 rushing yards and a touchdown on 19 carries in Monmouth's 49-13 victory at Hampton. He also caught a touchdown pass, finishing with two total touchdowns in the win.
 
Smith Jr. opened the scoring for the Hawks with an 11-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter, giving Monmouth an early 7-0 lead. He put the game away in the fourth quarter, breaking free for a 70-yard touchdown run to extend the Hawks' advantage to 42-7. The run was the longest by a Hawk this season and Monmouth's longest play from scrimmage.
 
The redshirt freshman has now eclipsed 100 rushing yards in back-to-back games, surpassing 150 yards on the ground in each contest. His 753 rushing yards this season rank second in the CAA.
 
Smith Jr. becomes the third Monmouth player to earn CAA Rookie of the Week honors this season, as the Hawks have claimed three of the last four awards. Monmouth has earned four total CAA weekly honors this season, including three Rookie of the Week selections.
 
The Hawks return to action Saturday, Oct. 31 when they host Bryant (5-3, 3-1 CAA) at 1:00 p.m. at Kevin Callahan Field at Kessler Stadium.

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