J.W. Walsh named Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year

Oklahoma State quarterback J.W. Walsh was named the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year Wednesday in a vote by the league’s coaches.

Walsh finished the season completing nearly 67 percent of his passes for 1,478 yards, 11 touchdowns and three interceptions, while rushing for 277 yards and seven scores.

Walsh replaced injured starter Wes Lunt early in the Cowboys’ third game against Louisiana-Lafayette, then started the next three games for the Cowboys. Walsh suffered what was originally identified as a season-ending knee injury against Iowa State on Oct. 20, but returned in the Cowboys’ game against Texas Tech on Nov. 17 and was used as a change-up quarterback — mostly in short-yardage and goal-line situations — for the remainder of the season.

Walsh is Cowboy to earn the honor, joining Tony Lindsay in 1997.