The Football Writers Association of America is one of the more respected organizations in college football, and they named Memphis running back Kenny Gainwell their Freshman of the Year on Monday.

Coming into the season, Gainwell was expected to play a hybrid running back/wide receiver role like Tony Pollard did, but a foot injury to Patrick Taylor against Ole Miss forced Gainwell into the starting role.

With Taylor sidelined with a foot injury, Gainwell took over as the lead back and never looked in the rearview. Week after week, the redshirt freshman from Yazoo County, Mississippi made jaw-dropping plays for one of the best offenses in the country.

Whether it was running or catching the ball, Gainwell received notice on a national scale throughout the season. Against Tulane, Gainwell became only the second player in 25 years to have 100-plus rushing yards and 200-plus receiving yards in a game.

Gainwell finished the year with 1,459 rushing yards, 610 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns, and he had seven 100-plus yard rushing performances throughout the season. In the Tigers win over Louisiana Monroe, he also had a 209-yard rushing game.

Gainwell's 1,459 rushing yards were 12th in the country, and he also averaged 6.3 yards per carry which was 27th in the country.

By all means, it was a magical season for the redshirt freshman running back, and he could receive Heisman hype heading into next season. With his vision, speed, short area quickness and receiving ability, Gainwell is the total package out of the backfield.