Hurd, Johnston earn Big 12 weekly honors

WACO, Texas – Senior wide receiver Jalen Hurd earned Big 12 Newcomer of the Week honors, while junior linebacker Clay Johnston was named Defensive Player of the Week, it was announced today by the conference office. 

Hurd had 123 total yards in the win over Oklahoma State, with 96 receiving yards on 7 receptions and 27 rushing yards on 9 attempts. The Hendersonville, Tenn., native, hauled in his longest touchdown reception of the year, a 36-yard catch from quarterback Charlie Brewer, with 5:43 left in the fourth quarter. The Tennessee transfer then sealed the deal for the Bears as he recovered a fumble as time expired on the Cowboys’ last play of the game.

Over the last five games, Hurd is averaging 7 catches per game and 6.4 catches per game in five home games. He ranks third nationally with 35 receptions of 10+ yards and seventh with 42 for first downs. 

Johnston led the defense with a career-high 17 tackles, the most by a Baylor player since 2013. His 14 solo tackles were also a career high, and the second most in FBS this year. 

The Abilene, Texas, native, has averaged 12 tackles per game over the last three and ranks ninth in the Big 12 with 7.4 tackles per game.

The Big 12 weekly honors are firsts for both Hurd and Johnston.

Hurd, Johnston and the Bears head out on the road this week, visiting #23/25 Iowa State at 2:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, Nov. 10.