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Xai'Shaun Edwards
Juan DeLeon Creative

FB: Edwards Named to Jerry Rice Award Watch List

The redshirt freshman ranks eighth nationally in rushing yards



HOUSTON – HCU redshirt freshman running back Xai'Shaun Edwards has been included among 22 players on the watch list for the 2025 Jerry Rice Award, presented annually to the FCS freshman of the year.
 
Edwards has had a breakout season, ranking eighth in the nation in rushing yards and breaking the HCU single-season rushing record in just seven games. Edwards is averaging 107.9 rushing yards per game with 755 total yards on the ground. Additionally, his eight rushing touchdowns this season mark a new single-season record for the Huskies.
 
Averaging 6.3 yards per carry, Edwards has surpassed 100 yards on the ground four times this season. The freshman opened the season with a 175-yard, four touchdown effort against Arkansas Baptist, setting a new program record for rushing touchdowns in a game. Over the last three games, Edwards has rumbled for 445 yards with a 214-yard performance in HCU's win over Northwestern State to fall just four yards shy of the program's single-game rushing record.
 
Edwards is one of just three running backs among the 22 players up for the award.
 
The 2025 Jerry Rice Award recipient will be announced on Dec. 3 and honored at the Stats Perform National Awards Show on Jan. 3 in Nashville, Tennessee. Also to be presented are the Walter Payton Award (FCS Offensive Player of the Year, Buck Buchanan Award (FCS Defensive Player of the Year), Eddie Robinson Award (FCS Coach of the Year), HBCU National Player of the Year and Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete of the Year.


In 15th Anniversary Season, 22 FCS Freshman Standouts Join Jerry Rice Award Watch List | Opta Analyst
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