Buies Creek – Campbell quarterback Daniel Smith has been named to the initial watch list for the STATS FCS Jerry Rice Award.
The award is given annually to the top freshman in the Football Championship Subdivision. Smith is one of 17 on the initial list.
Smith, a redshirt freshman from Leesburg, Va., has combined for 2,112 yards of total offense this season, passing for 15 touchdowns. Smith’s 15 TD passes has already tied Campbell’s single season record (Brian Hudson, 2013), also leading the team with 711 rushing yards.
The rookie’s 711 yards rushing are the fourth most by a Camel all-time, while his 1,401 passing yards rank fifth in the CU record books.
Smith ranks among the nation’s top-25 in six statistical categories, leading the nation in rush yards per carry at 9.32. He also stands eighth in rush yards per game (101.1) and 12th in total offense (301.3).
The watch list will undergo change during the season. 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.
Also this season, STATS will present 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 Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
Campbell hosts Jacksonville on Saturday for Homecoming. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. at Barker-Lane Stadium.
