Lee, Ricard Added to National Award Watch Lists
Eric Wieberg
PHILADELPHIA – James Madison quarterback Vad Lee has been named to the Walter Payton Award watch list, and Stony Brook safety Christian Ricard’s name was added to the Buck Buchanan Award watch list, The Sports Network announced on Tuesday.
The Payton Award recognizes the top offensive player in the FCS, while the Buchanan Award is given to the nation’s top defensive player.
Lee is among the national leaders in numerous offensive categories, ranking fifth in the FCS with 3,066 passing yards and seventh with 26 passing touchdowns. He also ranks eighth in CAA Football with 741 rushing yards, and has scored seven touchdowns on the ground.
Ricard leads CAA Football – and ranks seventh nationally – with 20.5 tackles-for-loss, and his 8.5 sacks are tied for sixth in the conference. He has totaled 86 tackles on the season, good for a tie for 13th in the league.
The FCS national honors – which include the Payton, Buchanan, Jerry Rice and Eddie Robinson awards – will be announced in December.