49ers QB on Jerry Rice Award ‘Watch List’

Charlotte 49ers redshirt freshman quarterback Matt Johnson is among the initial 20 candidates on the “Watch List” for the Sports Network’s Jerry Rice Award, given to the top first-year player in the FCS, whether a true freshman or a redshirt freshman.

The Sports Network recently announced its initial 20-player watch list for the 2013 Rice Award, which is named for the legendary wide receiver who played in the FCS (then Division I-AA) at Mississippi Valley State. The Rice Award, in its third year, will be voted on by a national panel of sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries following the regular season.

Prior to the Homecoming game, Johnson ranked third in the FCS for touchdowns with 16 and 10th for passing with 1,582 yards.