University of Albany Football's Gontarek Named To Jerry Rice Award Watch List - UAlbany Sports 2014

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports

PHILADELPHIA -- University at Albany freshman wide receiver Josh Gontarek has been named to the 2014 Jerry Rice Award Watch List, announced by The Sports Network Wednesday.

Gontarek is one of 21 players on the Rice Award Watch List, including one of four athletes from the CAA. The top first-year player in the FCS, whether a true freshman or a redshirt freshman, will win the award named for the legendary wide receiver Jerry Rice, who played in the FCS (then Division I-AA) at Mississippi Valley State. The award will be voted on by a national panel of sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries following the regular season.

In his first season with the Great Danes, Gontarek has been named the CAA Rookie of the Week twice, and as well as the FCS National Freshman of the Week.

Through five games, the Mount Airy, Md. native leads UAlbany with 22 receptions, 264 receiving yards, and four touchdowns.

The first two recipients of the four-year-old award that honors the FCS national freshman of the year were from CAA Football -- Towson running back Terrance West and Villanova quarterback John Robertson.

"I love to give back and it is amazing to be able to award a deserving freshman based on his accomplishments," Jerry Rice said. "I think it's important to recognize people at all levels for their hard work and dedication."