Photo provided by Illinois State University Athletics

Centralia native Mason Blakemore was named the Missouri Valley Football Conference Newcomer of the Year on Monday.

The Illinois State running back rushed for 983 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns on 150 carries this season for the Redbirds.

The former Orphans running back  led the Valley with his 14 rushing touchdowns and 98.3 yards per game.  Additionally, Blakemore tallied five games with 100 yards rushing.  He averaged 6.6 yards per carry which ranked him in the top 10 of FCS Football.

Blakemore, a junior, was previously at Northern Illinois before transferring to Illinois State this season.