WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – After emerging as one of the nation's top defensive backs, William & Mary freshman Cade Ellis has been named to the Jerry Rice Award Watch List. The award recognizes the national freshman of the year in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).

Ellis is one of 30 standout freshmen selected to the watch list.

The Orange, Va., native has been highly productive during his rookie campaign, totaling 32 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss (TFL) and two interceptions.

Both interceptions came during his collegiate debut in W&M's victory at Villanova, earning him Patriot League Defensive Player and Rookie of the Week honors. He also received honorable mention recognition as the Stats Perform FCS Freshman Player of the Week.

Ellis has continued to deliver impressive performances in recent weeks, recording a career-high nine tackles and a TFL against Holy Cross before posting eight tackles and another TFL against Fordham.

Ellis is the first W&M player named to the watch list since Jalen Jones in 2022. Jones was selected as a finalist for the award and finished eighth in the final voting.

The Jerry Rice Award is named after the legendary Hall of Fame wide receiver who starred in the FCS at Mississippi Valley State University. Past recipients include Cooper Kupp, Chase Edmonds, Trey Lance, Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders.

True and redshirt freshmen are eligible for the Jerry Rice Award. A national media panel will select the winner after the regular season from a group of finalists.

Following a bye week, W&M will return to action Saturday when it hosts Georgetown for Homecoming at Zable Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. The game will celebrate 100 years of Homecoming at W&M.

Tickets are available at TribeAthletics.com.