CHARLESTON, S.C. – Gardner-Webb senior J.J. Hubbard was named FCS Kickoff Return Performer of the Week Tuesday by College Football Performance Awards (CFPA).

Hubbard (Tampa, Fla.) averaged 41.5 yards per return on four attempts in the 27-24 win over Charlotte Saturday, taking back his first chance 95 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter.

The touchdown return was the third of Hubbard's career and his second in the past four games in Spangler Stadium. His three career kickoff return touchdowns is tied for the Big South Conference record.

Hubbard's first return Saturday gave GWU a 7-3 lead and set the tone for the remainder of the afternoon. He fielded the football near the far hash, dashed to the sideline and took off – outrunning two 49ers to reach the end zone untouched. It was the longest return of Hubbard's career to date as well.

He had a 26-yard return later in the game that set Gardner-Webb up with the ball near midfield. Each of his returns was longer than 20 yards, and helped establish fine field position all day for the Runnin' Bulldogs – with an average starting position their 47-yard line.

Hubbard was part of an inspired effort from the Gardner-Webb special teams Saturday. The unit recovered a muffed punt, recorded a 13-yard tackle for loss on a bad snap and blocked well on Hubbard's returns. Punter Andrew Komornik pinned Charlotte inside its 20-yard line four times on six punts.

Hubbard now has 3,035 career all-purpose yards, with 2,068 coming on kickoff returns.

Gardner-Webb will enjoy an open date before heading to VMI on October 18 for a 1:00 pm kickoff against the Keydets. Lexington, Va., was the site of Hubbard's first career kickoff return touchdown – which came in the fourth quarter of the 2011 season finale.