University of Massachusets Athletics
Sharpe Named MAC East Offensive Player Of The Week
November 17, 2014 | Football
After a career-high 239 yards receiving in the 24-10 win over Ball State, Tajae Sharpe has been named the MAC East Offensive Player of the Week. Sharpe's effort came on a career-high tying 13 receptions which tied the UMass single-game record for the third time this year.
Sharpe's 239 yards receiving were the 2nd most in the NCAA this season, the 2nd most for a single-game at UMass and the 11th-most in the history of the MAC. Nine of his receptions were for first downs and he was targeted 19 times overall (out of 44 passing attempts).
The performance put him over 1,200 yards for the season and 2,000 yards for his career. It also marked his first career 200+ yard performance and the fourth 100+ yard effort for Sharpe this season.
Entering the Akron game, Sharpe has 1,204 yards on 76 receptions this season which are both career-best marks. He ranks 2nd for a single-season in receiving yards needing 292 to set the school record. His 76 receptions plaice him fourth on the single-season top 10 where he needs six to break that record as well.
For his career, he now has 2,090 yards which is tied with Julian Talley for fourth all-time. He needs 803 yards to break the career receiving yardage record. In terms of receptions, Sharpe's 157 ranks fourth all time, just 31 away from the top spot.
UMass will head to Akron on Tuesday night to face the Zips on ESPN3 (7 PM). The Minutemen have won three of their last four games, while Akron has lost four straight.
The Minutemen will close out the season on Nov. 28, Black Friday, at McGuirk Stadium against Buffalo. Game time for that contest has been set for 1 PM.
