CHICAGO, Ill. — Nine freshman players who have carved out a niche during the college football season were nominated to the STATS FCS Jerry Rice Award Watch List on Thursday.
The Rice Award, named after the legendary Hall of Fame wide receiver, has been presented in the postseason to the FCS freshman player of the year since 2011.
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Joining the watch list for the 2018 Rice Award:
Ty Brock, Sam Houston State, QB, R-Fr., 6-4, 210, College Station, Texas
Statistics: 119 of 214, 1,566 yards, 10 TDs, 7 INTs; 150 rushing yards, 3 TDs; 1 TD reception (6 games)
Mohammed Diakite, Penn, CB, Fr., 6-1, 180, Northampton, Pennsylvania
Statistics: 22 tackles (16 solo), 3 TFL, 2 INT, 4 PBU, 1 FR (7 games)
Andrew Edgar, Illinois State, WR, R-Fr., 6-0, 175, Chicago
Statistics: 29 receptions, 561 yards, 4 TDs (8 games)
Juwon Farri, Monmouth, RB, Fr., 5-10, 185, Germantown, Maryland
Statistics: 93 carries, 758 yards, 6 TDs; 11 receptions, 55 yards (8 games)
Ronald Kent Jr., Western Carolina, CB, Fr., 5-10, 160, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Statistics: 43 tackles (30 solo), 5 TFL, 12 PBU (8 games)
Noah Larson, North Dakota, LB, R-Fr., 6-2, 233, Baraboo, Wisconsin
Statistics: 44 tackles (25 solo), 3 TFL, 1 Sack, 1 QBH (8 games)
Skyler Perry, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, QB, Fr., 6-3, 197, New Orleans
Statistics: 113 of 198, 7 TDs, 3 INTs; 84 rushing yards (7 games)
Xavier Smith, Florida A&M, WR, R-Fr., 5-10, 165, Pembrook Pines, Florida
Statistics: 26 receptions, 335 yards, 3 TDs; 61.9 all-purpose yards per game (7 games)
Jareem Westcott, Stetson, RB, Fr., 5-10, 185, St. Augustine, Florida
Statistics: 102 carries, 590 yards, 11 TDs (7 games)
Alabama A&M freshman Brian Jenkins Jr. is also up for the prestigious award.
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