Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Anthony Knighton added to Jerry Rice Award Watch List
11/09/2017 | 11:48:00 | Football
STATS Story
Southern Illinois freshman defensive end Anthony Knighton was one of six players added to the STATS FCS Jerry Rice Award Watch List, the organization announced Thursday. The Jerry Rice Award is given annually to the top freshman in FCS football.Â
Among freshmen, Knighton ranks second nationally in tackles for loss and third in sacks, and he leads the MVFC freshmen in both categories. Among all players in the MVFC, Knighton ranks fourth in sacks and ninth in tackles for loss. This year, Knighton has 28 tackles (21 solo), 9.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 1 PBU, 5 QB hurries and one forced fumble.Â
Knighton was among six players added to the watch list that join a group of 17 players previously announced. A national panel of over 150 sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries will vote on 20 finalists following the regular season.
Southern Illinois has never had a player become a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award. Last year, then-freshmen Jeremy Chinn and D.J. Davis earned Freshman All-America honors from HERO Sports.
Knighton and the Salukis face Youngstown State at 1 p.m. CT on Saturday in Saluki Stadium.Â
Southern Illinois freshman defensive end Anthony Knighton was one of six players added to the STATS FCS Jerry Rice Award Watch List, the organization announced Thursday. The Jerry Rice Award is given annually to the top freshman in FCS football.Â
Among freshmen, Knighton ranks second nationally in tackles for loss and third in sacks, and he leads the MVFC freshmen in both categories. Among all players in the MVFC, Knighton ranks fourth in sacks and ninth in tackles for loss. This year, Knighton has 28 tackles (21 solo), 9.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 1 PBU, 5 QB hurries and one forced fumble.Â
Knighton was among six players added to the watch list that join a group of 17 players previously announced. A national panel of over 150 sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries will vote on 20 finalists following the regular season.
Southern Illinois has never had a player become a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award. Last year, then-freshmen Jeremy Chinn and D.J. Davis earned Freshman All-America honors from HERO Sports.
Knighton and the Salukis face Youngstown State at 1 p.m. CT on Saturday in Saluki Stadium.Â
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