JMU’s Vad Lee Named STATS FCS National Player of the Week

CHICAGO – James Madison redshirt senior quarterback Vad Lee was recognized as one of the country's top players as he was named the STATS FCS National Offensive Player of the Week, the organization announced Monday afternoon.

Lee, who was named the CAA Football Offensive Player of the Week for the second time this season earlier Monday, is coming off a historic performance in JMU's thrilling 48-45 victory last Saturday against FBS foe SMU in Dallas.

The Durham, N.C., native tallied 565 yards of total offense by himself, shattering his own school record of 478 set last season at Villanova. JMU's signal caller also rushed for 276 yards on 20 attempts, breaking Warren Marshall's school rushing record of 264, set against William & Mary on Oct. 25, 1986. In all, Lee accounted for five touchdowns on the night, picking up a pair on the ground and adding three through the air on a 20-for-33 night that saw him rack up another 289 yards passing. He capped his evening off with the go-ahead, 17-yard touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver John Miller with just 27 seconds remaining in the game.

"Vad's very deserving of the award with his rushing and passing numbers," Head Coach Everett Withers said. "Being the first D1 player to ever pass and rush for 275 yards in the same game, he's earned it. He's very team oriented guy and has done a good job helping the rest of his teammates be better. They've helped him be better. I'm sure he'll share the award with the rest of the offense and the team."

Lee, who has helped the Dukes to their second 4-0 start in history (last in 1978), ranks first in the FCS in both total offense (424.5) and yards per carry (8.8). He is also third in touchdown passes (11), fifth in rushing yards per game (125.8), seventh in completion percentage (68.8%) and 10th in passing yards per game (298.8).

The awards kept coming on Tuesday for Lee as he was named the College Football Performance Awards FCS National Performer of the Week.

In addition, redshirt sophomore linebacker Andrew Ankrah, the conference's top defender this week, was the honorable mention selection for the FCS National Defensive Player of the Week award.

The sixth-ranked Dukes return home this Saturday when they host CAA opponent Stony Brook at noon. The 2015 JMU football season is presented by CarMax and the game is sponsored by University Outpost.

Tickets remain for the Family Weekend game by visiting JMUSports.com/tickets or by calling 540-568-3853.

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