IU freshman wide receiver Whop Philyor was named Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week for his performance against Maryland, the conference announced Monday.
Philyor, who shares the award with Michigan State freshman wide receiver Cody White, set an IU true freshman record with 13 catches Saturday in a loss to the Terrapins. He also racked up 127 receiving yards and caught a touchdown.
Entering Saturday's game, Philyor had just eight catches for 60 yards on the season, but he broke out against Maryland as IU's two quarterbacks, freshman Peyton Ramsey and senior Richard Lagow, combined to throw for 410 yards and five touchdowns.
Freshman running back Morgan Ellison was the last Hoosier to pick up Freshman of the Week honors when he ran for 186 yards against Georgia Southern in September.
Philyor, a former 3-star recruit from Florida, wasn't expected to contribute much for IU this season, and might have even redshirted. But injuries to junior wide receivers Nick Westbrook and Donavan Hale led Philyor to climb the depth chart and get plenty of opportunities in the last few games.
Philyor now has 21 catches for 187 yards and two touchdowns on the season.
Jake Thomer
