California quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has been named the Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Week by the Maxwell Award Committee. This recognition comes after he was also selected as the ACC’s Rookie of the Week.
Sagapolutele, who is from Ewa Beach, Hawaii, made his collegiate debut by leading the Golden Bears to a 34-15 win over Oregon State in Corvallis. He completed 20 of 30 passes for 234 yards and threw three touchdowns.
The Shaun Alexander Award is given to the most versatile player in major college football. It is named after former Alabama standout and 2005 NFL MVP Shaun Alexander. The award honors freshmen who have demonstrated outstanding performance and impact on their teams during the season. According to its criteria, “The Alexander Award is about championing future legends and evaluates players based on talent, character, ambassador and legend.”
The Maxwell Football Club, which oversees this award, was established in 1935 and is recognized as America’s oldest football organization of its kind. The club acknowledges excellence at high school, collegiate, and professional levels while also supporting community programs that promote academic achievement, volunteerism, and leadership.
