University of Pittsburgh running back Damon Ferguson Jr. has been named one of 14 semifinalists for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.
Presented by the Maxwell Football Club, the award recognizes the nation’s outstanding freshman college football player. Ferguson, a true freshman, is one of three running backs selected as semifinalists for the ninth annual award.
The Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award evaluates players based on talent, character and overall impact on their teams. Ferguson leads Pitt with 662 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns through nine games this season, averaging 5.4 yards per carry.
Ferguson earned Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Week honors after helping lead Pitt to a 34-11 bowl-clinching victory over Georgia Tech. The Gwynn Oak, Maryland, native rushed for career highs of 185 yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries, while adding an 11-yard reception to finish with 196 all-purpose yards.
Ferguson’s performance against Georgia Tech led all ACC players and FBS freshmen in rushing for the week, ranking sixth nationally.
Over Pitt’s past three games, he has accumulated 343 rushing yards and three touchdowns, averaging 6.0 yards per attempt.
Ferguson has recorded three 100-yard rushing games this season. His previous 100-yard games came against Syracuse, where he gained 102 rushing yards, and Boston College, where he rushed for 119 yards.
Overall, this season, he has produced 775 yards from scrimmage and seven total touchdowns.
The award is named after former Alabama standout and Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander and has recognized college football’s outstanding freshman player since 2018. Previous winners include Trevor Lawrence, Will Anderson Jr., Brock Bowers, Drake Maye and Caleb Downs.
Finalists for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award will be announced Dec. 2, with the winner revealed Dec. 28. The award will be formally presented on March 13, 2027, at the Maxwell Football Club Awards at the Coca-Cola Roxy in Atlanta.
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