RICHMOND, VA -- The University of Delaware coaching staff knew that true freshman Phillip Thaxton (at right) was a special player, it didn’t take them long to see just how special.

The freshman running back from Yorktown, VA (Grafton High School), inserted as the team’s No. 2 running back behind Omar Cuff due to injuries in the UD backfield, rushed 12 times for 177 yards and a touchdown in leading No. 10 ranked Delaware (2-0) to a 41-14 non-league victory over visiting West Chester in the Blue Hens’ home opener Saturday night.

For his efforts, Thaxton was named the Colonial Athletic Association Rookie of the Week for his efforts.

Thaxton, who didn’t even enter the game until the third quarter, rambled 62 yards for a touchdown on his first career carry with 8:14 left in the third quarter to give the Hens a 41-7 lead. He broke away again in the fourth quarter and appeared to be headed for another touchdown but fumbled at the West Chester 20-yard line and the Ram recovered at the three-yard line. He still was credited with a 63-yard run.

He also caught two passes for 16 yards to lead the Hens. Thaxton’s 177 yards was the highest total ever by a Delaware running back in his varsity debut and broke the UD single game freshman record for rushing yards of 170 by Omar Cuff vs. William & Mary in 2004.

Also honored by the CAA were Offensive Player of the Week Tim Hightower of Richmond, Co-Defensive Player of the Week Gian Villante of Hofstra and Justin Barnes of James Madison, and Special Teams Player of the Week Rob Zarrilli of Hofstra.