WASHINGTON – Hoya freshman defensive back Wedner Cadet joined 24 other players as part of the 2022 Stats Perform FCS Jerry Rice Award Watch List, which is presented to the national freshman of the year in college football's Division I subdivision, as announced on Thursday.

"First and foremost, Wedner is a competitor. From day one, we could see he had all the physical skills to be a special player. I think what separated him as a younger player within our program is his work ethic and competitive drive. He comes to work everyday and is always looking to get better at his craft. It's a great honor for him to be recognized on the Jerry Rice Award Watch List. We're looking forward to seeing him continue to be an impact player for us this year and the years to come." - Head Coach Rob Sgarlata on Cadet's selection to the Jerry Rice Award Watch List

Wedner Cadet | DB | Fr. | Wellesley, Mass. - 2022 FCS Jerry Rice Award Watch List

• Cadet became the first player since Alec May in 2014 to be selected to a national award watch list for his on-field performance.
• He is the second Hoya to earn national recognition this season, joining Mac Hollensteiner, who was named a William V. Campbell Award Semifinalist for premier scholar-athletes across the country.
• The Massachusetts native is also the lone Patriot League player selected to the Rice Award Watch List.
• The Hoya freshman along with fellow watch list selection Rex Connors (UC Davis) are two of three freshmen with three picks this season.
• His 68 return yards on interceptions are also ranked 10th in FCS.

The Rice Award, now in its 12th season, is named after legendary NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice. 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).

To be eligible for the Rice Award, a freshman must be in his first or second academic year and can't have surpassed four games played in the previous academic year – similar to the NCAA's regular redshirt rule. More players can join the watch list before a national media panel selects the winner following the regular season.

2022 Jerry Rice Award Watch List:
Quarterback
Asher Carraha, Stonehill (Northeast)
Cade Chambers, Indiana State (MVFC)
Gevani McCoy, Idaho (Big Sky)
Reese Poffenbarger, UAlbany (CAA)
Noah Walters, North Alabama (ASUN)

Running Back
Ryan Butler, Princeton (Ivy)
Karl Ligon, Southern (SWAC)
Joshua Pitsenberger, Yale (Ivy)
Sam Franklin, UT Martin (Ohio Valley)
Desmond Reid, Western Carolina (Southern)
Jerrell Wimbley, Stephen F. Austin (WAC)

Wide Receiver
Seth Anderson, Charleston Southern (Big South)
Vinson Davis, Charleston Southern (Big South)
Makai Jackson, Saint Francis (Northeast)
Kam Thomas, Austin Peay (ASUN)

Tight End
Josh Cuevas, Cal Poly (Big Sky)

Defensive Line
Kevin Spelman, Valparaiso (Pioneer)

Linebacker
Kohner Cullimore, Southern Utah (WAC)
Kaiden Jones, Nicholls (Southland)
Max U'Ren, North Carolina Central (MEAC)
Mason Woods, Towson (CAA)

Defensive Back
Wedner Cadet, Georgetown (Patriot)
Rex Connors, UC Davis (Big Sky)
Adrian Maddox, Alabama State (SWAC)

Punter
Patrick Rohrbach, Montana (Big Sky)

Stats Perform will also 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 FedEx Ground Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete of the Year.