October 20, 2026 | Football
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. — Gardner-Webb redshirt freshman defensive lineman Zalen Watkins has been named to the 2026 Stats Perform Jerry Rice Award Midseason Watch List, recognizing 30 standout freshmen across the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
The Jerry Rice Award is presented annually to the FCS Freshman Player of the Year and is one of six honors comprising the Stats Perform FCS National Awards. This year's watch list matches the largest in the award's 16-year history.Watkins, a 6-foot-3, 290-pound native of Forest City, N.C., has made his presence felt along the defensive front for the Runnin' Bulldogs during his redshirt freshman season.
Watkins turned in a standout performance in Gardner-Webb's 12-10 victory over Charleston Southern on Oct. 3, recording six tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack and two quarterback hurries. His effort helped the Runnin' Bulldogs secure the North-South BBQ Bowl trophy and earned him Ohio Valley Conference Rookie of the Week honors.
Named after Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice, the award recognizes the top freshman player in the FCS. Both true freshmen and redshirt freshmen are eligible, with a national media panel selecting the winner following the regular season from a group of finalists.
Watkins is one of 30 players representing programs across the FCS on the 2026 midseason watch list.
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