Johnson earns MVFC newcomer award

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ST. LOUIS – South Dakota State wide receiver/kick returner Cade Johnson was named Missouri Valley Football Conference Newcomer of the Week, one day after a breakthrough performance in a win against Missouri State.

A redshirt freshman from Papillion, Neb., Johnson made the most of his limited opportunities, racking up 136 all-purpose yards on only three touches in the Jackrabbits' 62-30 victory. He returned the opening kickoff 61 yards to set up a touchdown, then tallied catches of 68 and 7 yards, the latter of which resulted in his first career receiving touchdown late in the first half.

Johnson currently leads the MVFC with an average of 28.9 yards per kick return, a figure that ranks ninth in the FCS.

Also earning Player of the Week honors were Illinois State wide receiver Spencer Schnell (offense), Northern Iowa defensive tackle Rick Neal (defense) and Illinois State kicker Sean Slattery (special teams).

The Jackrabbits return to action Saturday at Western Illinois in a battle of nationally ranked teams. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Hanson Field in Macomb, Ill.