DURHAM, N.C. - North Carolina Central University redshirt freshman linebacker Max U'Ren has been announced as one of 25 FCS players on the watch list for the 2022 Stats Perform Jerry Rice Award, which is presented to the national freshman of the year in college football's Division I subdivision.

U'Ren, a 6-2, 225-pound native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, ranks fifth on the team with 22 tackles, including 2.5 stops for a loss, with a forced fumble through six games. He collected five tackles in each of the rivalry games against North Carolina A&T and Winston-Salem State, and amassed a season-high seven takedowns versus Virginia-Lynchburg.

The Rice Award, now in its 12th season, is named after legendary Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice. Past recipients include Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (Eastern Washington), Miami Dolphins running back Chase Edmonds (Fordham) and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (North Dakota State).

For the complete watch list, visit TheAnalyst.com. (https://theanalyst.com/na/2022/10/25-fcs-freshmen-selected-to-jerry-rice-award-watch-list/)

NCCU (5-1, 1-0 MEAC) visits the defending MEAC and Celebration Bowl champions, South Carolina State, on Oct. 22 at 1:30 p.m. The highly-anticipated match-up will stream live on ESPN3.

For more information about NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com or download the NCCU Eagles Athletics app.