CHARLESTON, S.C. (Sept. 8, 2022) – ETSU quarterback Tyler Riddell (Tampa, Fla.) and running back Jacob Saylors (Jasper, Tenn.) were named to the College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) FCS National Performer of the Year watch list, which was announced on by the committee on Thursday. 

Riddell completed 74 percent (14-of-19) of his passes in the season-opening win over Mars Hill last Thursday. The Tampa native threw for three touchdowns, including a 29-yard strike to Saylors. Entering the season, Riddell was a first team preseason all-SoCon selection after he threw for over 2,400 yards and 19 touchdowns, while rushing for three scores. 

Saylors, the preseason SoCon Offensive Player of the Year, scored the Bucs’ first three touchdowns in last Thursday’s 44-7 victory over Mars Hill. Saylors, who totaled 92 all-purpose yards, scored on a 40-yard run on ETSU’s opening drive, while then hauling in the 29-yard reception from Riddell and capping things off with a one-yard run. Following one game, Saylors is one of nine FCS players averaging 18.0 points per game, while his 4,449 career all-purpose yards rank third-most among active FCS career leaders and his 6.6 yards per career tops all active career leaders. 

Riddell and Saylors were one of two tandems named to the list as Monmouth’s Tony Muskett and Juwon Farri accounted for the other combo. In total, five Southern Conference schools were represented on the watch list as Chattanooga running back Ailym Ford, Furman quarterback Tyler Huff, Mercer quarterback Fred Payton and Samford ford quarterback Michael Hiers were named to the list. 

A total of 38 players were named to the list.  

The CFPA Trophy is a 22-inch K-9 optic crystal tower with an eight-inch crystal football on top. All FCS players are eligible for the award.

The 2022 CFPA National FCS Performer of the Year will be announced January 13, 2023.

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