BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University redshirt freshman Mason Wuenschel has been named to the Jerry Rice Award Watch list announced STATS Perform FCS Senior Editor Craig Haley Tuesday afternoon. Established in 2011, the Jerry Rice Award recognizes the top freshman at the NCAA FCS level. Wuenschel is one of just three Southland players named to the list.
 
Wuenschel becomes the second Cardinal this season to be named to one of the national award watch lists joining Andrew Huff who was named to the Buck Buchanan Award (FCS National Defensive Player of the Year) Watch list prior to the start of the season.
 
Similar to Huff, Wuenschel becomes the first Cardinal named to the Jerry Rice Award Watch list.
 
Weunschel has become a leader on the Cardinals' defense playing in all seven games making five starts. The Groves, Texas native, is currently fifth on the team in tackles from his linebacker position. He enters Saturday's contest against Houston Christian with 30 total stops including 11 unassisted tackles. Among his 30 tackles, 2.5 have been for losses, which includes an assisted sack. He also has an interception (which came in the season opener against nationally ranked Abilene Christian) and a quarterback hurry.
 
The Cardinals return to action Saturday when they host HCU. The Homecoming contest is set for a 3 p.m. kick from Provost Umphrey Stadium. It will also be broadcast on Newstalk 560 and streamed live on ESPN+.