November 11, 1998

Villanova sophomore running back Brian Westbrook set a new NCAA record last Saturday against Richmond for all-purpose yards in a season. In the loss last week, Westbrook tallied 300 all-purpose yards giving him 2,482 yards of all-purpose offense for the season. The previous record of 2,429 all-purpose yards was established in 1996 by Northern Arizona's Archie Amerson.

Westbrook will need to continue his fine play the last two weeks of the season if he is to hold on to the record. In addition to Westbrook setting the mark last Saturday, New Hampshire's Jerry Azumah also eclipsed Amerson's NCAA record. Entering play this weekend, Azumah has 2,465 all-purpose yards, which trails Westbrook by just 17 yards. Westbrook would look to have the inside track on the record, as Villanova has two games remaining, while New Hampshire will finish the 1998 season this Saturday against Rhode Island.

After nine games, Westbrook has tallied 78 receptions for 1,027 yards and 12 touchdowns, in addition to rushing for 703 yards on 123 carries (5.7 yards per rush) and seven scores. He also has registered 585 yards on 23 kickoff returns including an 89-yarder that went for a touchdown. His 20 total touchdowns establishes a new school record for scores in a season. Only a sophomore, Westbrook has already tallied 31 career touchdowns.