For the second time in the last three seasons, the Valparaiso University football program has a candidate for the Jerry Rice Award.

Redshirt freshman defensive lineman Kevin Spelman (New Lenox, Ill. / Providence Catholic) was named to the award’s 2022 watch list, which was released by Stats Perform on Thursday. Spelman was one of 25 FCS freshmen in the nation named to the watch list for the honor, which is presented annually to the national freshman of the year in college football’s Division-I subdivision. Spelman was the lone Pioneer Football League player tabbed to the watch list.

Past recipients of the award 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).

Spelman ranks tied for third in the PFL in sacks per game at 0.75 and tied for second in total sacks with 4.5. He is also in the top 10 in the league in tackles for loss (6.5 total, 1.08 per game) and posted a two-sack game on Sept. 24 vs. San Diego, one of 10 players in the league with two or more sacks in a contest this season. He ranks 26^th nationally in sacks per game and first among freshmen. Spelman is a key part of a Valpo defensive front that leads the PFL and ranks 11^th nationally at 3.33 sacks per game.

Valpo junior Keyon Turner was named a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award following his freshman campaign in Spring 2021, making this the second time in three years that a member of head coach Landon Fox’s defense has earned consideration for the prestigious honor. A national panel will select the winner of the award following the regular season.

Click here for more information and the full watch list.