PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – HBU redshirt freshman linebacker Garrett Dolan and redshirt freshman punter Christian Guzman were named to the Jerry Rice Award Watch List, announced by award sponsor The Sports Network Wednesday.
 
The Jerry Rice Award, named after the legendary San Francisco 49ers wide receiver and Mississippi Valley State alum, recognizes the top first-year player in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), whether they are a true freshman or redshirt freshman. The award will be voted on by a national panel of sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries following the regular season and will be presented at the awards banquet in Philadelphia on Dec. 15.
 
"I love to give back and it is amazing to be able to award a deserving freshman based on his accomplishments," Rice said. "I think it's important to recognize people at all levels for their hard work and dedication."
 
Dolan is a 6-foot-2, 235-pound native of Mont Belvieu, Texas, and was a standout at Barbers Hill High School Through five games this season, he has 49 total tackles, 35 solo, 4.5 tackles for losses, 2.5 sacks and a pass breakup. Dolan ranks second in the Southland Conference and 24^th nationally with 9.8 tackles per game.
 
"Garrett is developing into a consistent and tough playmaker on defense," HBU head coach Vic Shealy said. "He has a great nose for the ball and is a great leader on and off the field. Garrett's football IQ continues to grow rapidly and we are continually impressed with his ability to make the outstanding play."
 
Guzman is from Brookshire, Texas, where he played at Royal High School and is also a member of the Huskies' track and field team. Through five games, he has punted 24 times with 10 of those going for 50 or more yards, including a long of 61 yards, and has landed five inside the 20. Guzman leads the Southland Conference and ranks second in the nation with a 45.9-yard average.
 
"Christian can generate unbelievable power when he hits the ball," Shealy said. "To see the explosion with which the ball leaves his foot and to only be a freshman, we are fortunate to see his development only increase in the years to come. Christian can be as good as he wants to be."
 
Dolan and Guzman are two of the three players representing the Southland Conference, with Sam Houston State defensive end P.J. Hall being the other. HBU was also one of only two schools to have more than one representative on the list, with Mercer also having two.