Wednesday, October 9, 2013
by Cody Bush, PFL Media Relations

PHILADELPHIA – The Sports Network announced its initial 20-player watch list for the 2013 Rice Award, Wednesday. Named for the legendary wide receiver, who played in the FCS (then Division I-AA) at Mississippi Valley State, the Rice 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.

The initial position breakdown is five quarterbacks, five linebackers, three running backs, two wide receivers, two defensive ends, one cornerback, one safety and one punter. The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference has the most nominees with three.

Two Pioneer Football League freshmen were named to the initial Rice Award watch list: Stetson safety Donald Payne and Mercer running back Payton Usher.

Payne began his career with a bang, winning the league's Defensive Player of the Week each of the first three weeks he played. He currently has 53 tackles 6.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and two fumbles forced. He ranks third among league tacklers in both tackles and tackles for loss.

Usher leads all league runners with 129.1 all-purpose yards per game and ranks second among league rushers with 96.6 yards per game. He also ranks second in total carries and total yardage this season.

Towson running back Terrance West won the inaugural Rice Award in the 2011 season and Villanova quarterback John Robertson received the honor last season.

The Rice Award Watch List can undergo revision during the season. The winner will be announced at The Sports Network FCS Awards Presentation Dec. 16 in Philadelphia.