CHICAGO – Two Southern Conference defensive backs are among the 22 named to the watch list for the 2021 Stats Perform FCS Jerry Rice Award, which is presented to the national freshman of the year in college football’s Division I subdivision.
 
The Citadel’s Dominick Poole and Western Carolina’s Andreas Keaton were among those nominated.
 
Poole has emerged as one of the top pass defenders in the Southern Conference, tying for the conference lead with seven pass break-ups. He also has one interception on the season and ranks sixth on the team with 35 tackles.
 
Keaton has started every game to date in the Catamount defensive secondary. Through seven games, he ranks fifth on the squad with 30 total tackles including 19 solo stops. He has successfully defended seven total passes – tied for fourth in the SoCon – that includes four pass break-ups and a team-best three interceptions, tied for fourth in the league.
 
The Rice Award, now in its 11th season, is named for the legendary Hall of Fame wide receiver. Past recipients include Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (Eastern Washington), Arizona Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds (Fordham) and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (North Dakota State).
 
Joining the Jerry Rice Award Watch List:
 
Quarterback
Demeatric Crenshaw, Youngstown State (MVFC)
Zevi Eckhaus, Bryant (NEC)
RJ Martinez, Northern Arizona (Big Sky)
Shedeur Sanders, Jackson State (SWAC)
 
Running Back
Elijah Burris, Hampton (Big South)
Kobe Dillon, Southern (SWAC)
Darius Hale, Central Arkansas (ASUN)
Sy’Veon Wilkerson, Delaware State (MEAC)
 
Wide Receiver
Nate Bennett, Portland State (Big Sky)
Jacari Carter, Merrimack (NEC)
Drae McCray, Austin Peay (OVC)        
Jalyn Witcher, Presbyterian (Pioneer)
 
Defensive Line
Thor Griffith, Harvard (Ivy)
Josiah Silver, New Hampshire (CAA)
 
Linebacker
James Conway, Fordham (Patriot)
Rodney Dansby, Houston Baptist (Southland)
Tyler King, Stony Brook (CAA)
Bryce Norman, Southeast Missouri (OVC)
 
Defensive Back
Marsean Fisher, Tarleton (WAC)
Andreas Keaton, Western Carolina (Southern)
Dominick Poole, The Citadel (Southern)
 
Placekicker
Blake Gessner, Montana State (Big Sky)
 
To be eligible for the Rice Award, a freshman can’t have surpassed four games played in one previous academic year – similar to the NCAA’s regular redshirt rule. More players can join the watch list before a 50-member, national media panel selects the winner following the regular season.
 
Also this season, Stats Perform will present the Walter Payton Award (FCS offensive player of the year), Buck Buchanan Award (FCS defensive player of the year), Eddie Robinson Award (FCS coach of the year) and Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
 
The Citadel’s release
Western Carolina’s release
Stats Perform’s release