CLEVELAND - The Division I Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association (FCS ADA), in coordination with the 13 FCS conference offices, have selected Eric Barriere, quarterback at Eastern Washington University, and Jordan Lewis, defensive end at Southern University, as the 8th annual 2020-21 FCS ADA Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, respectively. In addition, the association has announced the All-America Team.
This award recognizes the top student-athletes from FCS institutions at 11 different positions. The 2020-21 class includes student-athletes from nine different institutions, representing nine different conferences. Voting was conducted by a national panel, consisting of media and sports information directors. In the eight years of the program, the associations' teams have had 12 of the 13 FCS conferences with at least one award winner, while 55 different schools have been represented.
"I'd like to extend a sincere congratulations to both Eric Barriere and Jordan Lewis on receiving this player of the year recognition," said Vice President and Director of Athletics at Jackson State University and current FCS ADA President, Ashley Robinson. "These student-athletes have been standouts during this past football season. In addition to the Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year, we are pleased to be able to recognize the top players from each position across the FCS conferences."
The following student-athletes earned 2020-21 All-America laurels from the FCS ADA, as the top players from each of their positions:
QB Eric Barriere, Eastern Washington (Big Sky)
RB Julius Chestnut, Sacred Heart (NEC)
WR Jakob Herres, VMI (SoCon)
TE Trae Barry, Jacksonville State (OVC)
OL Cordell Volson, North Dakota State (MVFC)
PK Ethan Ratke, James Madison (CAA)
DL Jordan Lewis, Southern (SWAC)
LB Colby Campbell, Presbyterian (PFL)
DB Nicario Harper, Jacksonville State (OVC)
RS Devron Harper, Gardner-Webb (Big South)
P Garret Wegner, North Dakota State (MVFC)
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Here is how Barriere and Lewis garnered FCS ADA Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year honors:
QB Eric Barriere, Senior, Eastern Washington University
Barriere is a Walter Payton Award Finalist and the 2020-21 Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year. The Big Sky First Team All-Conference selection threw for 2,439 yards with 19 TDs, while completing 183 of 296 attempts this season. He added 144 rushing yards and a TD for the Eagles.
DE Jordan Lewis, Junior, Southern University
Lewis proved to be a matchup nightmare for opposing offensive lines this season with his quickness off the end leading the SWAC in sacks with 10.5 for 73 yards and tackles for loss with 15.0 for 82 yards. He completed the Spring season with 27 tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks and one forced fumble. Lewis is a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Defensive Player of the Year Award.
Tune into the Division I FCS Championship game on Sunday, May 16, 2021 to watch #2 Sam Houston battle #1 South Dakota State at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m. ET on ABC.
About the FCS ADA: Now in its 27th year, the Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association's mission is to enhance Football Championship Subdivision football. For more information on the FCS ADA, please visit www.fcsada.com. The FCS ADA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 56th year. For more information on NACDA and the 17 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.
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