Army’s Matt Rhodes named AAC special teams player of week

Punter Matt Rhodes joined Army’s touchdown club Saturday.

Rhodes’ 23-yard touchdown run off a fake field goal was spotlighted on ESPN’s College Football Final.

The American Athletic Conference recognized Rhodes for his play in Army’s 24-7 victory over Florida Atlantic Monday, naming him the league’s special teams player of the week. Rhodes is the first Army player to receive an AAC weekly award in the program’s first season in the conference.

The senior is the first Army punter to score a touchdown in at least 30 years according to Black Knight Nation research.

Rhodes took the snap from Owen Walter, sprinted out left with kicker Trey Gronotte running alongside almost as an option look. He received blocks from Hayden Reed and Walter, keeping the ball untouched into the end zone.

Junior slotback Noah Short made the AAC weekly honorable mention list for his career-high 160 yards against Florida Atlantic.