Buffs Shenault, McMillian Hit 1,000 Receiving-Rushing 'Double'
November 24, 2018 | Football
BERKELEY, Calif. – The Colorado Buffaloes' season ended in heartbreaking fashion Saturday with a 33-21 loss to Cal, but two CU offensive players still made history.
Senior running back Travon McMillian and sophomore wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. became the first duo in Colorado history to have 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season.
"They're really explosive football players, and they're obviously guys that can score from a long ways away," said interim head coach Kurt Roper. "They're powerful and they're hard to tackle, they're just talented guys and it was fun to watch them. They've got a lot of football left in front of them."
Shenault missed three games due to a toe injury this season and still surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving milestone and averaged 112.3 yards per game. He finished with seven catches for 65 yards against the Golden Bears, cracking the benchmark by just 11 yards.
Shenault's season-high effort came in the season opener against Colorado State, when he made 11 catches for 211 yards.
"It's definitely a blessing for sure," Shenault said. "After growing up and seeing all the college and NFL receivers get 1,000-yard seasons, I'm definitely grateful."
McMillian also squeaked by the respective mark Saturday. The Virginia Tech graduate transfer needed 49 rushing yards against Cal and managed to get 58 on the night on 21 carries.
McMillian ended up averaging 84 yards per game this season, and it is the second time in his career that he has  reached 1,000 rushing yards. His first came his freshman season as a Hokie when he claimed 1,043 rushing yards.
"I heard about it and it ended up happening," McMillian said. "I'm really grateful for the opportunity. I'm just looking forward to the next opportunity and see what happens next."
Shenault said that regardless as to whether players reach milestones or not, everybody who returns for next season will have to get back on the grind and bounce back from the adverse turn this season took.
"It's great to get 1,000 yards, but it's the past so I'm just looking forward to getting better and getting better as a team of course and come harder next year," Shenault said.
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