http://www.mercerbears.com/sports/fball/...0609n8eln6
John Russ Named to CFPA Quarterback Watch List
CHARLESTON, S.C. - Mercer University quarterback John Russ has been selected to the 2014 College Football Performance Awards Quarterback Watch List. The preseason watch list includes 36 of the top returning quarterbacks in the NCAA's Football Championship Subdivision, who are vying for the CFPA's top quarterback honor presented each January.
Russ was named the Pioneer Football League's Offensive Freshman of the Year last season, after helping the Bears set a NCAA Div. I record for wins by a first-year program with 10. The two-time PFL Offensive Player of the Week also finished fifth in the final voting for the Jerry Rice Award, The Sports Network's award given to the top freshman in the FCS.
"Congratulations to John Russ on earning a spot on this year's watch list," said CFPA Executive Director Brad Smith. "Russ will be one of the top quarterbacks to watch in 2014."
The Buford, Ga. native ran one of the top offenses in the FCS in 2013, as Mercer ranked among the nation's leaders in scoring (38.3 points per game), total offense (449.6 yards per game) and rushing offense (277.9 ypg). Russ finished the year with 1,916 yards and 21 touchdowns through the air, while also compiling a team-leading 903 yards and 12 TDs on the ground. He led all FCS freshmen in passing efficiency (144.7), passing TDs and points responsible for per game (17.2).
The goal of College Football Performance Awards is to provide the most scientifically rigorous conferment in college football. Recipients are selected exclusively based upon objective scientific rankings of the extent to which individual players increase the overall effectiveness of their teams. Twenty-eight CFPA winners have been first-round NFL Draft selections.