Villanova's Westbrook Named ECAC Player of the Year

Junior running back Brian Westbrook had 2,992 all-purpose yards and 22 touchdowns in 2000.

Wildcat running back Brian Westbrook was named the ECAC Player of the Year following a tremendous junior season (Chris Hampson Photo).

Dec. 18, 2000

Villanova University junior running back Brian Westbrook has been named the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division I-AA Player of the Year. In addition, Westbrook earned first team ECAC honors as both a running back and a return specialist. He becomes the first Wildcat to win ECAC Player of the Year distinction since 1997 when Wildcat wide receiver Brian Finneran garnered the award.

Westbrook led the nation this past season in all-purpose yardage with 2,992. The 5-9, 210 pound junior tallied 1,220 yards on 179 carries (6.8 yards per rush) and 15 touchdowns, 59 receptions for 724 yards and five scores and he returned 38 kickoffs for 1,048 yards and two touchdowns.

Since the 2000 season ended, Westbrook has been named Atlantic 10 Offensive Player of the Year, first team Associated Press All-American as an all-purpose player and first team AFCA All-American as a kick returner. Westbrook was also named first team All-Atlantic 10 as a running back and kick returner.