Cullowhee, N.C. – Western Carolina freshman defensive back
Andreas Keaton was today listed on the initial watch list for the 2021 Stats Perform Jerry Rice Award, which is presented to the national freshman of the year in college football's championship subdivision (FCS). Keaton is one of 22 first-year players on this year's watch list and one of two from the Southern Conference, joined by Dominick Poole from The Citadel.
Keaton is the fifth Catamount since 2014 to grace the watch list for the nation's top freshman, joining LB Daniel Riddle (2014), P Ian Berryman (2015), QB Tyrie Adams (2016), and DB
Ronald Kent Jr. (2018). Adams finished fourth in the national voting back in 2016, the highest finish for a Catamount that was nominated for the national award.
A true freshman from Powder Springs, Ga., 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.
Keaton burst on to the scene in his collegiate debut against Eastern Kentucky, posting a career-best eight tackles including seven solo stops and intercepting a pass against the Colonels. In his SoCon debut, he was credited with a pair of tackles and a career-best two interceptions on Samford QB Liam Welch, tallying 27 return yards, and nearly had his fourth pick of the season last week at The Citadel.
The Jerry Rice Award, now in its 11th season, is named for the legendary Hall of Fame wide receiver. Past recipients include current 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).
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.
Western Carolina travels to Spartanburg, S.C., on Saturday to face the Wofford Terriers (1-6, 0-5 SoCon) with kickoff at Gibbs Stadium scheduled for 1:30 pm. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ (
paid subscription required) with live audio from the Catamount Sports Network (CSN) beginning at 12:30 pm on seven affiliate stations and online at CatamountSports.com.
Keep track of everything related to Catamount football and WCU Athletics through its social media outlets on Facebook (fb.com/CatamountSports) and Twitter (@Catamounts, @CatamountsFB).
2021 Stats Perform 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)
Place-kicker
Blake Gessner, Montana State (Big Sky)
