Junior running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire was named one of four finalists for the Paul Hornung Award, which is given annually to the most versatile player in college football.
Kentucky quarterback and wide receiver Lynn Bowden, Virginia wide receiver Joe Reed and Nebraska running back and wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson are the other finalists for the award.
Edwards-Helaire leads the Tigers in rushing this season with 958 yards and 12 touchdowns on 158 carries, averaging 6.1 yards per carry through 10 games. His 12 rushing touchdowns lead the Southeastern Conferece.
After Nick Brossette’s departure for the NFL, Edwards-Helaire took over as the starting running back this season, surpassing his 2018 rushing total of 658 in only eight games.
Edwards-Helaire is also tied for third on the team in receptions with 32 for 224 yards and a touchdown. He’s also been the primary kick returner for LSU, averaging 22 yards per return. He’s currently second in the SEC in all-purpose yards averaging 138.1 yards per game, which only trails Bowden who averages 142.3 all-purpose yards.
The Baton Rouge native has had three consecutive games with 180 yards from scrimmage against No. 9 Auburn, No. 3 Alabama and Ole Miss. In LSU’s 46-41 win against the Crimson Tide, Edwards-Helaire chipped in four touchdowns as well.
LSU coach Ed Orgeron said he doesn’t know if he has seen a performance as good as Edwards-Helaire’s against Alabama, calling it “unbelievable.”
“I can recall Reggie Bush doing things like that, I can recall Warren Sapp dominating some games, but that’s right up there with it. That was as far as a dominant game,” Orgeron said. “And [Edwards-Helaire] said something like, throw your heart on the line and your body will follow. Phenomenal saying. And that’s him. I’m going to say it again, he’s six foot four, 270 when he runs that football.”
Former LSU standout Leonard Fournette is the last Tiger to accomplish such a feat. Fournette totaled over 180 scrimmage yards five consecutive games and another three game stretch in 2015.
Odell Beckham Jr. is the lone LSU football player to win the Hornung Award. In 2013, Beckham accumulated 1,310 yards and eight touchdowns from scrimmage and added 1,005 return yards. He also returned a field goal attempt 109 yards for a touchdown against UAB.
The winner of the award will be announced Dec. 11. Fans can vote now at www.paulhornungaward.com.