WEST LIBERTY, W. Va. — West Liberty running back Jaedon “Baby J” Alston has been named Hilltopper of the Week, an award recognizing the university’s top athlete of the week.

Alston, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, grew up with his parents and sisters and said he learned early on the importance of choosing the right role models. Surrounded by negative influences at times, he credits his faith in God and football for keeping him focused.

“Football is my escape from wrongdoings around me,” Alston said. “I didn’t want to be a product of my environment.”

That mindset carried him through a season-ending injury last year. When asked how he overcame the setback, he said he relied on experience and resilience.

“I wasn’t thinking negatively at all,” Alston said. “I’ve had a bad injury before, and I knew what it took to bounce back and get where I wanted to be.”

He added that his faith continues to guide him through challenges.

“I always tell myself purpose without passion becomes a burden instead of a blessing,” Alston said.

Football, he said, is that passion. In last week’s game against Concord, Alston carried the ball nine times for 47 yards and two touchdowns.

“I went into the game with a positive attitude,” he said. “I’ve always perceived myself as the underdog, so I play with a chip on my shoulder—not to prove a point to anyone but to prove to myself that I still have what it takes to make an impact.”

Family, he added, is his greatest motivation.

“The way my younger sisters look up to me and smile when they talk to me—it motivates me,” Alston said.

The Hilltoppers will look for more big performances from Alston and the rest of the team as West Liberty athletics continues its fall schedule.