Alvin Kamara: Saints RB named Rookie of the Year in fan vote

Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Running back Alvin Kamara is the 2017 Pepsi Rookie of the Year.

The NFL announced the honor Friday morning. He earned the award after a fan vote on NFL.com. The 2018 Pro Bowl pick led all rookies with 14 touchdowns. He ranked second among rookies in yards from scrimmage.

Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey, Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt, Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette and New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore were also nominated for the award.

The league will host its annual awards ceremony -- the NFL Honors -- of Saturday night, where it will give away the Associated Press Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year awards.

"What y'all think!!! Thanks to @pepsi and the fans for voting me as the 2017 Rookie Of The Year!!!" Kamara tweeted Friday.

Kamara, 22, led the league with 6.1 yards per carry, totaling 728 yards and eight scores on 120 totes. He also had 826 yards and five scores on 81 receptions.

The Tennessee product is the second rookie in NFL history -- the other being Gale Sayers -- to have at least five rushing scores, five receiving scores and a kick return for a touchdown in the their first season.