Photo courtesy of our media partners at the Chattanooga Times Free Press.CHATTANOOGA (WRCB) -- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga quarterback Jacob Huesman is one of 16 players named Wednesday to the watch list for the prestigious Jerry Rice Award, which goes annually to the nation's top freshman football player in the Football Championship Subdivision.
Huesman is the Mocs' leading rusher and passer, combining for more than 1,000 yards of total offense in his first season under center. The former Baylor School star has played in all five games, starting the last four, and has thrown for six touchdowns and rushed for another.
Huesman's six passing TDs ties teammate Terrell Robinson's output from last season and is good for third among UTC freshmen all-time. Robinson finished in the top-25 for the voting of the inaugural Rice Award in 2011.
Huesman is one of six quarterbacks on the list, and one of only selections from the Southern Conference. Furman quarterback Reese Hannon and Appalachian State receiver Sean Price are also on the list.
The Rice Award, named for the legendary wide receiver who played in the FCS (then Division I-AA) at Mississippi Valley State, will be voted on by a national panel of sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries following the regular season. The list will grow to 20 finalists by then.
The Rice Award will be presented with the other three major FCS awards at the FCS national banquet on Dec. 17 in Philadelphia.
