Nov. 14, 2011
Stacy drags Kentucky defense into end zone
Birmingham, Ala. – Commodore junior running backZac Stacywas named Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Week Monday for his 135-yard, three-touchdownperformance in Vanderbilt’s win over Kentucky.
Stacy becomes the first Vanderbilt running back to earn SEC Offensive Player of the Week honors in two decades. The last Commodore back to receive the award was Corey Harris, recognized after a 169-yard rushing effort against Georgia on Oct. 19, 1991. Harris will be honored as Vanderbilt’s representative at the Weekend of Legends in early December, held in conjunction with the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta.
The 135-yard rushing effort was Stacy’s fourth this season of 100 rushing yards of more. He is the first Commodore back to achieve that feat since Kwane Dosterdid as a freshman in 2002.
Stacy, from Bibb County High School in Centreville, Ala., ranks fourth in the SEC with 891 rushing yards. Stacy’s total ranks as the fifth highest single-season rushing total by a Commodore since World War II, and is also the most by a Vanderbilt back since Jermaine Johnson had 1,072 yards in 1995.
The Kentucky performance marks the second time this season that Stacy has rushed for three touchdowns. He has eightrushing touchdowns in the last five games – and nine for theseason. It is the highest single-season rushing touchdown total by a Vanderbilt back since Jamie O’Rourketallied 12 touchdowns in 1974.
Stacy also moved up to No. 12 on the team’s career rushing list with his performance. He has 1,700 rushing yards and 15 TDs on 311 career carries. He passed Kwane Doster (1,621 yards, 2002-04) and Tom Moore (1,606 yards, 1957-59) during the Kentucky game. Stacy needs 18 rushing yards to pass Phil King (1,717 yards, 1955-57) for 11th place on the team’s career list.
Stacy became the fifth Commodore to receive weekly honors from the SEC office this year. Others to earn the recognition were offensive guard Ryan Seymour following a win over Army on Oct. 22; cornerback Trey Wilson and offensive lineman Wesley Johnson after a victory over Ole Miss on Sept. 17, and defensive tackle Rob Lohr following a win over Connecticut on Sept. 10.
