NEW ORLEANS – Redshirt freshman running back Kenneth Gainwell has been named The Football Writers Association of America's Freshman Player of the Year as announced Monday morning at the FWAA Awards breakfast in New Orleans, La. Kenneth Gainwell - 3 Star Wide receiver for Memphis on TigerSportsReport ... Memphis. School Interests. How can Elway capitalize on his third year passer? Whether Gainwell will ever put on the Memphis uniform again remains to be seen. The Boilers were utterly dominant in the home opener. [5], Gainwell moved to running back during summer training camp and played in four games as a true freshman before deciding to redshirt the rest of the season. Marshall QB Grant Wells and Memphis TE Sean Dykes lead an array of potential breakout stars from Week 1 of the 2020 season. Read what BGB contributors have to say regarding tomorrow’s game. Are you mocking me: What if Drew Lock is “the guy?”, Knights at the Roundtable: Taming the Tigers, 2020 Week 7 Preview: UCF Knights @ Memphis Tigers, Bears 2020 college prospect preview: Non-Power 5, How and what to watch for Memphis vs. SMU, Memphis Tigers at SMU Mustangs Game Preview, 2020 Virtual Purdue Season: Purdue 52, Memphis 13, Eight breakout offensive players from college football’s opening weekend, 2021 NFL Draft: Week 0 college football prospect preview & live chat, Tyler’s Take Five: Week One College Football Betting Preview, Memphis Tigers vs. Arkansas State Red Wolves: Preview and Prediction. Gainwell grew up in Yazoo City, Mississippi and attended Yazoo County High School. Gainwell's younger brother, Kory, played defensive back and running back at Yazoo County and is committed to play at Memphis. Kenneth Gainwell is an American football running back for the Memphis Tigers. And a group of nonscientists might have the proof. To enable Verizon Media and our partners to process your personal data select 'I agree', or select 'Manage settings' for more information and to manage your choices. In the final part of our annual college football prospect preview series, we take a look at some of the top players outside of the Power 5. In Memphis’ spread offense, the Tigers frequently used 5-man protection and Gainwell rarely stayed in to block. He finished the season with four carries for 91 yards and a touchdown, a 73-yard run, and six receptions for 52 yards. The latest stats, facts, news and notes on Kenneth Gainwell of the Memphis Tigers CONS: Pass protection is something he will need to develop in. Kinda. Gainwell is the first Tiger in program history to be named the FWAA's Freshman Player of the Year. Gainwell was named Class 3A Mr. Football as he led the Panthers to a 14–1 record and an appearance in the Class 3A state championship game. "The big question I had for Gainwell entering 2020 was if he could fill out his frame to complement his physical style. [7] He rushed for 1,459 yards with 13 touchdowns on 231 carries and caught 51 passes for 610 yards and three touchdowns and was named the AAC Freshman of the Year and first team All-AAC. Gainwell has a chance to be one of the top-five running backs in the 2021 Draft and the focal point of an NFL backfield early in his career.". 67 on the TDN Top 100 big board. Information about your device and internet connection, including your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Verizon Media websites and apps. Memphis QB Brady White Named Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week, Tigers Bounce Back Against UCF For Largest Comeback in School History, Memphis vs. UCF: Liberty Bowl sold out with an increased capacity of 10,500, Tigers Back at Liberty Bowl for Key Conference Game Against UCF, Athletic Ticket Office Student Worker Application, video platform powered by CBS Sports Digital. Curtis Gainwell Sr., the father of Memphis redshirt sophomore Kenneth Gainwell, confirmed to The Memphis Commercial Appeal Sunday night that his son has decided to opt out of the 2020 college football season. We and our partners will store and/or access information on your device through the use of cookies and similar technologies, to display personalised ads and content, for ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Memphis hasn’t played in nearly a month, will that cause a slow start? In Norvell’s final season coaching the program, Gainwell emerged as a star as a redshirt freshman. He was a three-year starter at quarterback for the Panthers. The weather is turning crisp, football is back. Women In Football: Briazja Wade Is Just Getting Started In Louisiana. Yahoo is part of Verizon Media. Memphis. Latest on Memphis Tigers running back Kenneth Gainwell including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN Spotlight Video. Kenny Gainwell is a 5-11, 185-pound Athlete from Yazoo City, MS. He also contributed 51 receptions for 610 yards and three scores out of the backfield, helping Memphis win the AAC title, the program’s first outright conference championship in football since 1969. Get the latest news, stats, videos, highlights and more about running back Kenneth Gainwell on ESPN. Curtis Gainwell Sr. told The Commercial Appeal on Sunday night that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic played a role in his son's decision as the family has lost four members after contracting the virus, including an uncle whose funeral was this weekend. You don't want to get out there and get sick and bring it to us, his brother or his teammates," Gainwell Sr. said. You can read the full report here. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account. Kenneth Gainwell profile page, biographical information, injury history and news The Gainwell family has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, including the recent death of Kenneth’s uncle, a loss that has been particularly tough for the star running back. Willing to lower his pads and challenge tacklers with physicality. Curtis Gainwell Sr., the father of Memphis redshirt sophomore Kenneth Gainwell, confirmed to The Memphis Commercial Appeal Sunday night that his son has decided to opt out of the 2020 college football season. As a junior, he passed for 1,184 yards and nine touchdowns and rushed for 1,292 yards and 20 touchdowns. 5 North Carolina, Florida's Mullen Joins Players In Testing Positive For Virus, Her Credit Score Went From 588 to 781 (With This), Kim Kardashian tells David Letterman she was warned 'Don’t you dare step foot in that White House or your reputation is done', Crime watchdog investigates casino giant Crown, KFC employee sets internet ablaze with behind-the-scenes food prep video: ‘I wish I never saw this’. Memphis Tigers running back Kenneth Gainwell is reportedly opting out of the 2020 college football season to prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft, according to 247 Sports. Wide Receiver Prospects: Stop Running 3-Cones, Draft Dudes - The Le'Veon Bell Saga & Revisiting Summer Record Predictions, Draft Dudes - 2020 CFB Bets Against The Spread: Week 7, Fantasy Football: 20 Thoughts Recapping Week 6, Very Early Week 7 Fantasy Football PPR Rankings, By: Kenneth Gainwell NCAA Football player profile pages at CBSSports.com. ... Memphis' White drops a 41-yard dime that leads to TD. "He decided that he didn't want to take any chances with the coronavirus going on. 5 North Carolina 31-28, Florida State hangs on for dramatic upset win over No. Subscribe to our Free Newsletter. Gainwell, a true dual-threat back, excelled last season for the Tigers. He's also a fantastic route-runner with terrific hands that is a dynamic option as a receiver out of the backfield. This Month in Sports Reference [2][3][4] Gainwell finished his high school career with 3,682 yards passing and 32 passing touchdowns and 4,730 rushing yards and 75 rushing touchdowns with one kickoff returned for a touchdown. PROS: Decisive ball carrier that is slippery and quick. He has committed to Memphis Tigers. Curtis Gainwell Sr. said his son has not made a decision about the NFL. He thrives as an inside and outside runner and his aggressive and violent style of running leads to considerable production after contact. The Draft Network August 30th, 2020 2020-08-30T10:16:07-07:00 The Draft Network. During the summer going into his senior season Gainwell committed to play college football at Memphis over offers from Ole Miss and Tulane. Create, share, and brag over your own big board now.