Agholor takes home special teams honor


On Monday, USC sophomore wide receiver Nelson Agholor was named the Pac-12 Special Teams Player of the Week following Saturday’s record-breaking performance in the punt return game that led to the Trojans’ 62-28 victory over Cal.

The Tampa, Fla. native tied a Pac-12 record for punts returned for touchdowns in a game (two) by taking punts of 75 and 93 yards for touchdowns. The 93-yard return was tied for the second-longest in USC history.

His 168 total punt return yards also set a new mark for most by a USC player in a single game.

Though he did most of his damage in the return game, Agholor also recorded four receptions for 35 yards on offense.

Agholor becomes the second USC player this year to be honored with this award, after redshirt sophomore punter Kris Albarado received it the week of Sept. 23-29.

Agholor was also named to the Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll for his performance. The Hornung Award is presented annually to the most versatile player in major college football. In addition, Agholor was named the National Punt Returner National All-Purpose Performer of the Week by the College Football Performance Awards.

While injuries have slowed junior wide receiver Marqise Lee at times this season, Agholor has played an increased role in the punt and kickoff return game. So far this season, he’s returned 10 punts for 288 total yards and 5 kickoffs for 77 yards.

Through the air, the 6-foot, 185-lb wideout has caught 36 passes for 647 yards and three touchdowns.

 

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