Ibitokun-Hanks named CAA Offensive Player of the Week

University at Albany Running Back Elijah Ibitokun-Hanks has been named the Colonial Athletic Association Offensive Player of the Week, the league announced Monday.

Ibitokun-Hanks rushed for 183 yards and four touchdowns Saturday night in the Danes home opener against Holy Cross, his third consecutive 100+ yard game. The four touchdowns ties a program record, tying the record set by Gary Jones against Wagner in 2003 and most recently David McCarty against Jacksonville in 2008.

“He’s been outstanding so far,” Head Coach Greg Gattuso said on the CAA Coaches Football Coaches Teleconference Monday.  “He’s very dedicated and takes it very seriously and wants to be great.”

The Sophomore brings his season total to 465 yards on the ground, good enough for 2nd in the FCS. His 8 touchdowns on the year is the best total among all FCS running backs.

This is the third CAA weekly honor in Ibitokun-Hanks’ young career, earning Offensive Rookie of the Week honors twice in his 2015 freshman season.

On the team side, the Danes move up in the FCS polls to the #23 rank in the FCS Coaches Poll and 22nd in the STATS FCS Top 25.

The Danes return to action this Saturday night when they host St. Francis (PA) at 7 PM at Bob Ford Field at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium.