Indiana University Athletics
Lucas Named First-Team All-American
12/2/2022 12:45:00 PM | Football
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The only FBS returner with multiple kickoff return touchdowns, Indiana football true freshman Jaylin Lucas was named a first-team All-American kick returner by Pro Football Focus.
The Big Ten's Rodgers–Dwight Return Specialist of the Year, Lucas was the only freshman (true or redshirt) on the publications first team and was the first freshman to win return specialist of the year award from the Big Ten. He was the No. 2 rated Power 5 kickoff returner in the FBS with a 77.8 grade per PFF and his six missed tackles forced were tied for No. 4 among the Power 5.
His 591 yards are ranked No. 12 in single-season program history and led the conference, while his 28.1 yards per return rank No. 4 nationally and is the fourth-best mark in a single season in IU history. He is the first IU returner to earn All-B1G honors since the conference added the spot in 2015.
With two return touchdowns, Lucas finished No. 2 on both the IU single season and career charts after one season on campus. He trails Marcus Thigpen (2005-08), who returned all three of his career kickoffs for scores during the 2006 campaign. His two kickoff return touchdowns rank tied for No. 7 among active FBS student-athletes, as well.
Along with his return stats, Lucas is the first Hoosier since Tevin Coleman in 2014 with three 70-yard scoring plays in a single season. Both of his kickoff return scores covered 80-plus yards and he added a 71-yard rushing touchdown in the season finale versus Purdue as part of his first career 100-yard rushing game. On the season, Lucas totaled 944 all-purpose yards, the most in a season since Whop Philyor (1,094) in 2019.
The Big Ten's Rodgers–Dwight Return Specialist of the Year, Lucas was the only freshman (true or redshirt) on the publications first team and was the first freshman to win return specialist of the year award from the Big Ten. He was the No. 2 rated Power 5 kickoff returner in the FBS with a 77.8 grade per PFF and his six missed tackles forced were tied for No. 4 among the Power 5.
His 591 yards are ranked No. 12 in single-season program history and led the conference, while his 28.1 yards per return rank No. 4 nationally and is the fourth-best mark in a single season in IU history. He is the first IU returner to earn All-B1G honors since the conference added the spot in 2015.
With two return touchdowns, Lucas finished No. 2 on both the IU single season and career charts after one season on campus. He trails Marcus Thigpen (2005-08), who returned all three of his career kickoffs for scores during the 2006 campaign. His two kickoff return touchdowns rank tied for No. 7 among active FBS student-athletes, as well.
Along with his return stats, Lucas is the first Hoosier since Tevin Coleman in 2014 with three 70-yard scoring plays in a single season. Both of his kickoff return scores covered 80-plus yards and he added a 71-yard rushing touchdown in the season finale versus Purdue as part of his first career 100-yard rushing game. On the season, Lucas totaled 944 all-purpose yards, the most in a season since Whop Philyor (1,094) in 2019.
Players Mentioned
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