Stats Perform has announced the finalists for the four national FCS awards: Walter Payton (best offensive player), Buck Buchanan (best defensive player), Jerry Rice (best freshman), and Eddie Robinson (coach of the year).
I am thankful to get a vote on these awards along with the Top 25 media poll. As I did with my Top 25 ballots, I will publish my award votes for full transparency.
Voters are asked to rank their top five among the list of finalists with No. 1 being their top choice.
Here are my Top 5 for the Jerry Rice and Eddie Robinson Awards.
Top 5 Vote For The Buck Buchanan Award
Top 5 Vote For The Walter Payton Award
Jerry Rice Award
5. Tennessee State LB Sanders Ellis
In 12 games, Ellis racked up 71 tackles, 11 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, and two pass breakups. Tennessee State’s defense has played at a high level down the stretch to help lead the Tigers to the playoffs, and Ellis has had a key role in that.
4. Idaho WR Mark Hamper
In 12 games, the 6-foot-2 Hamper hauled in 41 catches for 683 yards and five touchdowns. His presence has been key for an Idaho offense that has battled injuries.
3. Mercer DE Andrew Zock
Zock made his presence felt in Mercer’s No. 1 FCS rushing defense, totaling 32 tackles, 13.5 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, 15 quarterback hurries, and two forced fumbles.
2. North Dakota State RB CharMar Brown
Brown is nearing the 1,000-yard rushing mark and would be the first Bison RB to eclipse that mark since 2018. He has 189 carries for 965 yards (5.1 YPC) and 14 touchdowns.
1. Montana State RB Adam Jones
In a loaded running back room, Jones cracked the lineup as a freshman and made a massive impact. He has rushed 123 times for 904 yards (7.3 YPC) and 9 touchdowns.
Eddie Robinson Award
5. Eddie George, Tennessee State
George has built Tennessee State into a contender, from 5-6 in 2021 to 4-7 to 6-5 and to 9-3 this year. The Tigers won a share of the Big South-OVC title, their first conference championship since 1999. And they earned their first playoff bid since 2013.
4. Mike Jacobs, Mercer
In his first year as Mercer’s head coach, Jacobs elevated the Bears to a Top 10 team nationally. Mercer is 10-2 overall and 10-1 vs. the FCS, earning the No. 7 seed in the FCS playoffs.
3. Chennis Berry, South Carolina State
Berry had the difficult task of replacing the legendary Buddy Pough. In his first season, though, Berry has SC State 9-2 overall, 5-0 in the MEAC, and heading to the Celebration Bowl.
2. Tim Plough, UC Davis
In his first season as head coach, Plough has taken a program that had potential to a program that is reaching its potential. The Aggies are the No. 5 FCS playoff seed at 10-2 overall and 10-1 vs. the FCS with the only loss a 30-28 final vs. Montana State.
1. Brent Vigen, Montana State
Vigen steadied the waters this fall after a choppy 2023 season where the Bobcats fell well short of their national title aspirations. MSU is more consistent and has a business-like approach this year while improving two key areas to become legitimate championship threats: a better passing game and a better defense. The Cats are 12-0 and the No. 1 seed in the FCS playoffs.
