WASHINGTON - Hoya freshman defensive back Wedner Cadet joined 24 other players as a finalist for the 2022 FCS Jerry Rice Award, which is presented to the national freshman of the year in college football's Division I subdivision, as announced on Thursday.
 
"I am extremely proud of Wedner for his recognition as a finalist for the Jerry Rice award," said Head Coach Rob Sgarlata.  "Wedner has made an immediate impact both on and off of the field for our team. He is a very talented and competitive athlete who looks to improve each day." 
 
Wedner Cadet | DB | Fr. | Wellesley, Mass. - 2022 FCS Jerry Rice Award Finalist

• Cadet become the first player since Alec May in 2014 to be selected to be a national award finalist 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 as a finalist for the Rice Award. 
• Cadet's five interceptions this season led the Hoyas and the Patriot League as well as ranked top six in the nation. 
• His 125 return yards on interceptions are also ranked 5th 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 Finalists: 
Quarterbacks 
Cade Chambers, Indiana State (MVFC)
Gevani McCoy, Idaho (Big Sky)
Brady Meitz, Stetson (Pioneer)
Reese Poffenbarger, UAlbany (CAA)
Noah Walters, North Alabama (ASUN)
 
Running Backs 
Ryan Butler, Princeton (Ivy)
Marquis Gillis, Delaware State (MEAC)
Ismail Mahdi, Houston Baptist (Southland)
Joshua Pitsenberger, Yale (Ivy)
Sam Franklin, UT Martin (Ohio Valley)
Desmond Reid, Western Carolina (Southern)
Jerrell Wimbley, Stephen F. Austin (WAC)

Wide Receivers
Seth Anderson, Charleston Southern (Big South)
Makai Jackson, Saint Francis (Northeast)
 
Defensive Linemen
Finn Claypool, Drake (Pioneer)
Eric O'Neill, LIU (NEC)
 
Linebackers 
Kohner Cullimore, Southern Utah (WAC)
Mason Woods, Towson (CAA)
 
Defensive Backs
Wedner Cadet, Georgetown (Patriot)
Rex Connors, UC Davis (Big Sky)
Eli Ennis, Nicholls (Southland)
Travis Hunter, Jackson State (SWAC)
Jalen Jones, William & Mary (CAA)
Adrian Maddox, Alabama State (SWAC)
 
Punter
Patrick Rohrbach, Montana (Big Sky)