Robert Riddle Named to Jerry Rice Award Watch List

CHICAGO – Mercer quarterback Robert Riddle was named to the watch list for the STATS FCS Jerry Rice Award, which is awarded annually to the most outstanding freshman player in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).

Riddle, a redshirt freshman from Lookout Mountain, Tenn., is one of 15 true or redshirt freshmen named to the watch list, which was officially released Thursday morning. Although currently sidelined with an injury, Riddle made an instant splash under center for the Bears this season. Riddle completed 65 percent of his passes (66-of-101) for 851 yards and six touchdowns through four games, two of which he started. A capable runner as well, Riddle has three rushing touchdowns.

Riddle had his coming-out party on Sept. 15, leading the Bears to a win over then-No. 9 Samford with 316 passing yards and three total touchdowns (two rushing). He was named Southern Conference Offensive Player of the Week for the performance. Riddle then followed that effort by setting a program single-game record of 347 passing yards against The Citadel on Sept. 22.

Riddle is the sixth Bear since 2013 to be recognized on the watch list, joining Payton Usher (2013), John Russ (2013), Alex Lakes (2014), Chandler Curtis (2014) and Kaelan Riley (2017).

A national panel of over 150 sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries will vote on the award following the regular season. Named for the legendary wide receiver, who played in the FCS (then Division I-AA) at Mississippi Valley State, the Rice Award honors the top first-year player in the FCS.

2018 STATS FCS Jerry Rice Award Watch List
Christian Benford, DB, Villanova
Jack Cook, QB, Dayton
Jon Copeland, QB, UIW
Josh Davis, RB/PR, Weber State
Bailey Fisher, QB, Tennessee Tech
Alijah Jackson, RB, Robert Morris
Brian Jenkins Jr., Alabama A&M
Ulonzo Gilliam, RB, UC Davis
Malik Hamm, DE, Lafayette
Robby Huack, S, Montana
Dev Holmes, WR, Albany
Quay Homes, RB, ETSU
Chris Kolarevic, LB, Northern Iowa
Robert Riddle, QB, Mercer
Caleb Snead, WR, Campbell

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Robert Riddle Named to Jerry Rice Award Watch List

Players Mentioned

Chandler Curtis

Alex Lakes

Robert Riddle

Kaelan Riley

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