PLYMOUTH, N.H. – Graduate student running back Gregory Walker (Boxford, Mass.) has been named the Plymouth State University Male Athlete of the Month for September, sponsored by the New Hampshire Army National Guard, after leading the Panthers to their best start in nearly two decades.
 
Walker was a driving force behind Plymouth State's 4-0 record in September, rushing for 445 yards and eight touchdowns on 69 carries (6.4 yards per carry) while adding a receiving touchdown. He averaged more than 111 rushing yards and 116 all-purpose yards per game, and his nine total touchdowns accounted for more than one-third of the team's scoring during the month.
 
Walker set the tone for the year with a dominant debut at New England College on Sept. 6, exploding for 185 yards and three touchdowns on just 13 carries, including a 40-yard scoring burst, to spark a 49-21 victory.
 
He continued his torrid pace in the home opener against Worcester State on Sept. 13, carrying 24 times for 145 yards and two touchdowns and adding two catches for 19 yards and another score. His three total touchdowns helped power PSU to a thrilling 47-46 overtime victory, capped by his game-winning two-point conversion.
 
Walker stayed hot a week later, grinding out 112 yards and punching in three more touchdowns on 30 carries as Plymouth State took down Bridgewater State, 42-21, on Sept. 20.
 
He saw limited action in the Sept. 27 win over Mass. Maritime, appearing only in the first offensive series, but the Panthers' depth and more late-game heroics secured a hard-fought 14-10 victory and a perfect month.
 
Now sitting at 5-0 (4-0 MASCAC), Plymouth State is off to its best start since the 2007 team opened with six straight wins. PSU currently ranks second in the Grinold Chapter New England Division III Football Coaches Poll. The Panthers are on a bye this week before hosting Anna Maria on Oct. 18 at 12 p.m.