Ja'briel Mace makes history for Villanova football

VILLANOVA, Pa. (WPVI) -- Sophomore running back Ja'briel Mace defined 'next man up' in Villanova's win over Towson on Saturday. When the two running backs ahead of him on the depth chart were knocked out of the game, Mace stepped up in a big way, rushing for 291 yards on 28 carries and four touchdowns.

Mace, however, sings the praises of his teammates.

"My O-line," Mace said. "I literally credit them with every single run that I had. They're just amazing upfront. When everyone does their job, it's amazing."

"He has a great attitude about himself. He's a great teammate. He works really hard. He's very unselfish. He has great body language all the time," head coach Mark Ferrante reflected. "When the opportunity presented itself, he was ready to take advantage of it. And this opportunity presented itself on Saturday, and obviously, he ran with it."

Mace had the best game of his college career, but not only that, it was a historic game. He went on to break Villanova legend Brian Westbrook's record for most rushing yards in a game.

"Brian's the best one that's ever played here," Ferrante said. "He texted us later on that day and goes, 'What the heck, why didn't you guys take him out before he broke my record? Who's running the ship over there?' Ferrante recalled, jokingly.

As for his running back's milestone moment, Ferrante said, "It was awesome to have him get that type of game under his belt and have a day like that because he definitely has deserved it."

Westbrook sent Mace a congratulatory video. Mace said it's an honor to be in the same company as Westbrook, but reiterates that it couldn't be done without his teammates and coaches, who've believed in him.

Mace may have started the season as a third-string running back, but after Saturday, he finds himself in the Villanova record books.