17 named to FCS Freshman Watch List

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(STATS) - Preseason prognostications in college football often don't take into consideration a variable that quickly becomes a major factor - some freshmen are ready to contribute in a big way.

There has been no shortage of freshman standouts across the FCS this season.

The best of the best include 17 players named to the STATS FCS Freshman Player of the Year Watch List on Tuesday.

A national panel of over 150 sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries will vote on the FCS freshman player of the year following the regular season. True and redshirt freshmen are eligible for the award.

Following are the nominees, listed alphabetically by last name.

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Tyrie Adams, Western Carolina, QB, 6-2, 180, St. Petersburg, Florida

Efficient dual-threat ranks second in the Southern Conference and 12th in the FCS in total offense.

2016 Statistics: 157 of 243, 1,818 yards, 12 TDs, 8 INTs; 72 carries, 179 yards, 1 TD (7 games)

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Jordan Bentley, Alabama A&M, RB, 6-0, 200, Guntersville, Alabama

Considered a steal for the SWAC, running back has a nose for the end zone.

2016 Statistics: 98 carries, 576 yards, 7 TDs; 7 receptions, 65 yards, 1 TD (7 games)

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Marlon Bridges, Jacksonville State, S, 6-1, 240, Lanett, Alabama

Works all over the field as the leading tackler for the two-time defending OVC champions.

2016 Statistics: 47 TT (24 Solo), 1.5 TFL, 3 INTs, 3 PBU, 4 FF (7 games)

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Elijah Burress, Campbell, QB, 6-2, 225, Fredericksburg, Virginia

Strong, sturdy dual-threat ranks fifth in the Pioneer Football League in total offense.

2016 Statistics: 70 of 122, 858 yards, 6 TDs, 4 INTs; 68 carries, 358 yards, 1 TD (6 games)

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Stephen Calvert, Liberty, QB, 6-2, 180, Plantation, Florida

Reigning STATS FCS Freshman of the Week has surpassed 300 passing yards in two of his three starts.

2016 Statistics: 97 of 157, 1,214 yards, 10 TDs, 5 INTs (7 games)

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Jaylan Foster, Gardner-Webb, CB, 6-0, 190, Duncan, South Carolina

Defensive playmaker is among the FCS leaders in takeaways.

2016 Statistics: 31 TT (23 Solo), 2.5 TFL, 0.5 SK, 3 INTs, 6 PBU, 2 FR (8 games)

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A.J. Hines, Duquesne, RB, 5-11, 220, Wilson, North Carolina

Ranks fifth in the FCS in rushing yards and sixth in rushing yards per game.

2016 Statistics: 149 carries, 817 yards, 6 TDs; 10 receptions, 136 yards, 1 TD (7 games)

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Pop Lacey, New Hampshire, S, 6-0, 194, Reading, Pennsylvania

Athletic safety wraps up ball carriers to lead perennial CAA Football power in tackles.

2016 Statistics: 51 TT (38 Solo), 3 PBU, 1 FR, 1 FF (8 games)

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Sully Laiche, Nicholls, DE, 6-2, 255, Gramercy, Louisiana

Was the STATS FCS Defensive Player of the Week following Oct. 8 win over Stephen F. Austin

2016 Statistics: 44 TT (20 Solo), 7.5 TFL, 4 SK, 1 FF, 1 BK (7 games)

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Joe Logan, Northern Arizona, RB, 5-11, 200, Buckeye, Arizona

All-around threat plays for NAU team that boasts 2015 FCS freshman of the year Case Cookus.

2016 Statistics: 67 carries, 571 yards, 4 TDs; 5 receptions, 29 yards; 7 KR, 139 yards, 19.9 ypr (6 games)

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Jerry Louie-McGee, Montana, WR, 5-9, 168, Coeur d'Alenee, Idaho

Tied the Big Sky record with 21 receptions against Cal Poly in his third career game.

2016 Statistics: 41 receptions, 366 yards, 2 TDs; 7 KR, 153 yards, 21.9 ypr; 8 PR, 154 yards, 1 TD, 19.2 ypr (4 games)

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Steven Newbold, Tennessee State, WR, 5-11, 170, Carol City, Florida

Speedster stretches the field while averaging 22 yards per reception.

2016 Statistics: 25 receptions, 550 yards, 3 TDs (7 games)

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Corey Parker, William & Mary, S, 5-11, 190, Haymarket, Virginia

Season's first STATS FCS Freshman of the Week had 15 tackles and an interception against N.C. State.

2016 Statistics: 46 TT (26 Solo), 3 INTs, 2 PBU, 2 FR (7 games)

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Max Roberts, Fordham, LB, 6-1, 222, Delaware, Ohio

Hard-hitting linebacker is adept at hurrying quarterbacks into throws.

2016 Statistics: 33 TT (20 Solo), 7 TFL, 4.5 SK, 9 QBH, 1 FR, 3 FF (7 games)

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Christian Rozeboom, South Dakota State, LB, 6-2, 215, Sioux Center, Iowa

Team leader in tackles ranks third in the rugged Missouri Valley Conference.

2016 Statistics: 72 TT (34 Solo), 4 TFL, 3 SK, 2 INTs, 2 FF

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Shane Simpson, Towson, RB/RS, 5-9, 185, Easton, Pennsylvania

100-yard kickoff return vs. New Hampshire shows 2015 shoulder surgery didn't impact Simpson's legs

2016 Statistics: 67 carries, 307 yards, 1 TD; 6 PR, 38 yards, 6.3 ypr; 21 KR, 617 yards, 1 TD, 29.4 ypr (7 games)

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Gee Stanley, Robert Morris, LB, 6-2, 200, Miami

Leads all FCS freshmen and tied for ninth nationally with 7.5 sacks.

2016 Statistics: 48 TT (26 Solo), 9 TFL, 7.5 SK, 1 PBU, 2 QBH, 1 FR, 2 FF (8 games)