Arkansas State senior running back Johnnie Lang Jr. was named the Sun Belt Conference Special Teams Player of the Week on Monday after totaling 254 all-purpose yards, including a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, in a 45-28 victory over ULM.
Lang Jr. became the third player in Sun Belt Conference history, first since 2010, and 15th in FBS since 2000, with a kickoff return, rush and reception for scores in the same game. Lang returned a kickoff 98 yards to turn a 31-21 lead into a 38-21 lead with 2:48 to play in the third quarter. He rushed for 46 yards, including a 1-yard touchdown and had 51 receiving yards, including an 18-yard touchdown catch. He finished with 146 yards on three kickoff returns to total 254 all-purpose yards for the game. His 48.6 kickoff return average set a single-game program record.
Arkansas State returns to action this week with an Oct. 8 home game against James Madison. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. The game will appear on the NFL Network and can also be heard live on the EAB Red Wolves Sports Network.
