Marshall University’s Deandre Reaves was named the Conference USA Special Teams Player of the week for his performance in the Herd’s 49-28 loss to Western Kentucky University Friday.

The senior kick returner opened the scoring for the Herd with a 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the second quarter. Reaves found a crease on the play before bouncing the return outside and sprinting down the right sideline for the score.

Reaves’ day consisted of much more than a single return, however, as he totaled 221 kick return yards to set a new single game school record. In addition to his return duties, Reaves also caught two passes for 45 yards from his slot receiver position.

For the season, Reaves ranks third in the nation in kick return average at 30.5 yards per return and has also averaged 12.7 yards per punt return on 14 attempts. Reaves has returned two kickoffs and a punt for touchdowns this season. His three return touchdowns are tied for second in the FBS.

Reaves’ impact on the Marshall special teams unit has exceeded just this season.

Heading into the Herd’s bowl game, Reaves ranks seventh in Conference USA history with 2,525 total kick return yards. His 27.7-yard career average ranks third all-time in the conference.

Reaves was given the weekly honor for the second time this season, with his first coming just two weeks earlier in Marshall’s 52-0 victory over Florida International University Nov. 14 when he returned a punt 69 yards for a touchdown.