WESTMONT, IL – Don Hansen’s National Weekly Football Gazette declared Elon University senior left tackle Josh Rowan (Gainesville, GA/West Hall) an NCAA-IAA Co-National Offensive Lineman of the Week on Tuesday.

He shares the distinction with Bethune-Cookman University guard Napolean Joseph. The honor is Rowan’s second major one in less than a week. He was named to the 2002 Verizon University Division Academic All-District III Football Second Team last Thursday.

A third-year starter and second-year team captain, Rowan has helped the Phoenix (4-6, 2-1/2nd Big South Conference) to rank 13th among the country’s 123 NCAA-IAA squads in rushing offense with 234.5 yards per game so far this season. He was tabbed a National Strength and Conditioning Association All-American last spring and a Third Team Football Gazette Preseason All-American this fall.

Last Saturday, Rowan earned an 85-percent grade along with five decleaters, two pancake blocks and one linebacker knockdown in Elon’s 21-13 Big South Conference victory at Charleston Southern. He did not surrender any sacks. Led by Rowan, the Phoenix piled up 307 rushing yards, 22 first downs and 38:58 in possession time against the Buccaneers.

Rowan and the rest of the Big South runner-up Phoenix wrap up the 2002 campaign at 2 p.m. Saturday when they host No. 14 Wofford (8-3, 6-2/T-2nd SoCon) on Senior Day at Rhodes Stadium.

--ELON--