CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Citadel redshirt freshman defensive back Dominick Poole was one of 22 players named to the 2021 Stats Perform FCS Jerry Rice Ward Watch List on Wednesday. The award is presented to the national freshman of the year in college football's Division I subdivision.
 
The Rice Award, now in its 11th season, is named for the legendary Hall of Fame wide receiver. Past recipients include Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (Eastern Washington), Arizona Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds (Fordham) and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (North Dakota State).
 
Poole has emerged as one of the top pass defenders in the Southern Conference, tying for the conference lead with seven pass break-ups. He also has one interception on the season and ranks sixth on the team with 35 tackles.
 
To be eligible for the Rice Award, a freshman can't have surpassed four games played in one previous academic year – similar to the NCAA's regular redshirt rule. More players can join the watch list before a 50-member, national media panel selects the winner following the regular season.
 
Jerry Rice Award Watch List
Quarterback
Demeatric Crenshaw, Youngstown State (MVFC)
Zevi Eckhaus, Bryant (NEC)
RJ Martinez, Northern Arizona (Big Sky)
Shedeur Sanders, Jackson State (SWAC)
Running Back
Elijah Burris, Hampton (Big South)
Kobe Dillon, Southern (SWAC)
Darius Hale, Central Arkansas (ASUN)
Sy'Veon Wilkerson, Delaware State (MEAC)
Wide Receiver
Nate Bennett, Portland State (Big Sky)
Jacari Carter, Merrimack (NEC)
Drae McCray, Austin Peay (OVC)       
Jalyn Witcher, Presbyterian (Pioneer)
Defensive Line
Thor Griffith, Harvard (Ivy)
Josiah Silver, New Hampshire (CAA)
Linebacker
James Conway, Fordham (Patriot)
Rodney Dansby, Houston Baptist (Southland)
Tyler King, Stony Brook (CAA)
Bryce Norman, Southeast Missouri (OVC)
Defensive Back
Marsean Fisher, Tarleton (WAC)
Andreas Keaton, Western Carolina (Southern)
Dominick Poole, The Citadel (Southern)
Place-kicker
Blake Gessner, Montana State (Big Sky)