NASHVILLE — Tennessee State running back Brenton Paul has been named the first recipient of the newly renamed OVC Football Rookie of the Week award.

Paul accounted for 55 all-purpose yards in his collegiate debut against Jackson State in the John Merritt Classic at FirstBank Stadium. The true freshman rushed nine times for 38 yards, averaging 4.2 yards per carry, and caught two passes for 17 yards.

Paul scored his first collegiate touchdown on a nine-yard run late in the first quarter. He contributed during each of Tennessee State's three touchdown drives, including accounting for 22 yards during a 14-play, 75-yard fourth-quarter possession that put the Tigers ahead 24-23 with 8:48 remaining.

The conference renamed its Freshman of the Week award Rookie of the Week this season. Eligibility continues to include true freshmen and players who would previously have been classified as redshirt freshmen after missing a season because of injury or appearing in four or fewer games. Under the conference's age-based classification change, some eligible players may be listed as sophomores on their current rosters.