Buffalo's Leeper Named MAC Freshman of the Year
Dec. 3, 2002
University at Buffalo running back Aaron Leeper emerged from a crowded field to claim the Mid-American Conference's Freshman of the Year award as voted by the MAC News Media Association. For the UB program, it was the school's first major award since joining the MAC in 1999.
Leeper, a graduate of Jamestown High School in Jamestown, N.Y., led the Bulls in rushing with 917 yards on 235 attempts for an average of 3.9 yards per carry. He added 10 touchdowns while averaging 76.4 yards per game. Leeper also had 27 receptions for 132 yards and returned 13 kickoffs for 218 yards.
Leeper established school records for the most rushing yards and rushing touchdowns by a freshman and his 917 rushing yards are also a school record at the IA level.
On Sept. 7, Leeper led the Bulls to the league's only victory over a Big East team this season with 153 yards in a 34-11 triumph at Rutgers. His two other 100-yard rushing games came versus the top teams in the East Division, Marshall and UCF. Leeper gained 145 yards versus the East Division champion Thundering Herd and had 118 yards and three touchdowns versus the Golden Knights.
Leeper garnered 14 votes to edge Toledo's Keon Jackson by two ballots for the award. Also receiving at least five votes among the 50 cast were UCF place-kicker Matt Prater (8) and Ball State wide receiver Dante Ridgeway (7).
MAC Freshman of the Year Winners
2002 - Aaron Leeper, Buffalo
2001- Ben Roethlisberger, Miami
2000- Talmadge Hill, Ball State
1999- Brandon Payne, Akron
1998- Kurt Gerling, Bowling Green
1997- Robert Sanford, Western Michigan
1996- Walt Church, Eastern Michigan and
Tim Lester, Western Michigan
1995- Silas Massey, Central Michigan
1994- Astron Whatley, Kent State
1993- Michael Blair, Ball State
1992- Deland McCullough, Miami
1991- Morrey Norris, Kent State
1990- Troy Parker, Toledo
1989- Brad Tayles, Western Michigan
1988- Jeff Bender, Central Michigan
1987- Bernie Parmalee, Ball State
1986- Patrick Young, Kent State
1985- Marshall Taylor, Northern Illinois
1984- Pete Genatempo, Northern Illinois
1983- Kelly Spielmaker, Western Michigan
1982- Brian McClure, Bowling Green
