Week 5 Big 12 Football Players of the Week Announced
With Week 5 of the college football season officially in the books, the Big 12 Conference announced four players that would be taking home the fifth iteration of the Big 12 Football Weekly Awards for the 2023 season.
Texas running back Jonathon Brooks won the title of Offensive Player of the Week, while his teammate wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, took home Newcomer of the Week honors. Baylor cornerback Caden Jenkins claimed Defensive Player of the Week honors, and Texas Tech wide receiver Loic Fouonji was selected as the Special Teams Player of the Week.
Brooks took home the title of Offensive Player of the Week after leading the Longhorns to a 40-14 blowout win over Lance Leipold and the Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday. He became the second running back in the past two weeks to win the award alongside Kansas State running back DJ Giddens. Brooks put up a career-high 218 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries, good for an impressive 10.4 YPC. The Texas native’s 218 yards became the fourth-most rushing yards gained against a ranked opponent in program history, according to the official release.
Baylor’s freshman cornerback Caden Jenkins was all over the field on Saturday and was a massive part of the Bears’ 36-35 comeback win against UCF. Jenkins recorded his first career interception in the red zone against the Knights and recorded two total tackles on the day. The biggest play of the game for Jenkins came in the fourth quarter when the freshman DB scooped and scored on a 72-yard fumble recovery that brought the Bears within two points of the lead.
Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell earned his second appearance as the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week with a massive outing against No. 24 Kansas. Mitchell posted career highs in both catches and yards with 10 receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown. Mitchell’s score came on a nine-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter to extend the Longhorns’ lead to 33-14. Adonai Mitchell was a thorn in the side of the Jayhawks defense, earning Big 12 Newcomer of the Week honors for the second time this season.
Texas Tech wide receiver Loic Fouonji had an impressive day against the Houston Cougars giving the Red Raiders a massive boost in the special teams game. Fouonji started by blocking Houston’s punt and returning it for a score in one of two special teams touchdowns for Texas Tech on Saturday afternoon. Fouonji also made plays in the passing attack as the Texas native snagged a 25-yard touchdown reception in the Red Raiders high scoring affair. Fouonji helped propel Joey McGuire’s squad to a win over Dana Holgorsen and the Cougars, earning himself the title of Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week.
Last Week’s Winners:
Offense: DJ Giddens, K-State, RB, So.
Defense: Cobee Bryant, KU, CB, Jr.
Newcomer: Parker Jenkins, UH, RB, Fr.
Special Teams: Chase Contreraz, ISU, K, Sr.
