This came just days after he was selected as a second-team All American by the Walter Camp Football Foundation.
Rainey joined Iowa's Marcus Coker as a third-team selection. Heisman Trophy finalists Montee Ball of Wisconsin and Trent Richardson of Alabama were first-team selections, while Oregon's LaMichael James and Virginia Tech's David Wilson were named to the second team.
The Griffin, Ga., native ranks second nationally averaging 141.2 yards per game rushing in 2011, and his 369 carries on the year are the most in the nation for the second straight season. He rushed for a school record 1,695 yards in 2011, and surpassed Lerron Moore to become WKU's career rushing leader, ending his four years on the Hill with 4,542 yards on the ground.
Rainey eclipsed 100 yards in 10 of 12 games this season, including three 200-yard games. He closed out the season strong with 214 yards against North Texas and a season-high 227 against Troy on senior day - both Hilltopper victories. Rainey also leads the Sun Belt in scoring, and had multiple rushing touchdowns four times - including three-TD games against both Louisiana-Lafayette and Troy. In addition to his ground attack, Rainey also caught 36 passes for 361 yards and four touchdowns and completed two pass attempts, including one for a touchdown. His 171.3 all-purpose yards per game were also a league best in 2011 and rank fifth nationally. Rainey is one of just eight players since 2000 to rush for 1,500 yards in back-to-back seasons, and is one of just seven players this year
A three-time all-Sun Belt selection and two-time league Offensive Player of the Year, Rainey helped lead a remarkable turnaround for the Hilltoppers in 2011. After starting the season 0-4, WKU closed the year by winning seven of its last eight games, with the only loss coming at #1 LSU. The late-season surge helped WKU become bowl eligible for the first time since becoming a full-fledged Football Bowl Subdivision member in 2009.
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