EASTON, Pa. - Freshman defensive tackle Jaylon Joseph has been named to the STATS FCS Jerry Rice Award List. The award, named after the Hall of Fame wide receiver, has been presented to the top FCS freshman since 2011.

Joseph is one of 22 players in the nation being considered for the award. He has started 10 games as a rookie, piling up 26 tackles (13 solo) with 5.5 tackles for a loss of 31 yards, including four sacks. The Houston native has eight quarterback hurries and  has blocked a kick.

Joseph claimed Patriot League Rookie of the Week honors after his performance vs. Columbia when the Economics major had three tackles to go along with a half sack and a QB hurry. Against Fordham, he managed three tackles with a sack.

The award is now in its 13th season, with past recipients including Cooper Kupp, Chase Edmonds and Trey Lance, all of whom completed their college careers and moved on to play in the NFL.

A national panel of over 150 sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries will vote on the award following the regular season. The FCS player of the year will be announced on Dec. 6 and honored at the FCS National Awards Banquet on Jan. 6 along with the winners of 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 Award.