Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
James named to Hornung Award Watch List
7/17/2017 8:00:00 AM | Football
Honors college football's most versatile player
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Middle Tennessee junior receiver Richie James has been named to the Paul Hornung Award Watch List, as announced by the Louisville Sports Commission Monday.
The Paul Hornung Award presented by Texas Roadhouse is in its eighth year, and is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football.
James, the son of Richard James Sr., and Trina Jones, has proven his vast versatility in his first two years as a Blue Raider – particularly his sophomore campaign of 2016. He became just the sixth player in NCAA FBS history to have 200 yards rushing and 100 yards receiving in the same game when he tallied 207 yards on the ground and 120 in receiving against Florida Atlantic. James had a career-best 327 all-purpose yards against Florida Atlantic, which ranked second most in Middle Tennessee history.
"It is a great honor to be mentioned in the same company as the great players who are on the list for this award," James said. "The Lord has blessed me with talent, and I try to work hard and utilize it to the fullest. I am happy to play any role and do whatever my coaches and teammates need me to do in order to help the team."
During the 2016 campaign, James saw action at receiver, running back, and quarterback and also returned punts and kickoffs. He currently ranks second all-time at Middle Tennessee in receptions and receiving yards while standing fourth in touchdown catches.
James also ranks first among active players nationally in receptions per game and receiving yards per game. He has caught at least one pass in all 26 games he has played.
The dynamic performer was a first-team All C-USA selection and was voted MVP of the Hawai'i Bowl in 2016, when he was also named to the Beletnikoff Award and Maxwell Award Watch Lists. James had 105 receptions for a school-record 1,625 yards and 12 touchdowns while rushing for a career-high 339 yards. He led all receivers with 972 snaps played.
The Paul Hornung Watch List was compiled by a panel of college football experts based on 2016 statistics and expectations heading into the 2017 season. The list will be updated during the course of the season based on players' performances.
"Paul Hornung was a playmaker and the spirit of the Paul Hornung Award is to recognize versatile, high-level performers who make an impact on the game," said Karl Schmitt, executive director of the Louisville Sports Commission. "The Watch List is a work in progress, and we are particularly pleased from the outset to draw attention to almost two dozen individuals that have not received recognition with other awards."
The Paul Hornung Award presented by Texas Roadhouse is in its eighth year, and is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football.
James, the son of Richard James Sr., and Trina Jones, has proven his vast versatility in his first two years as a Blue Raider – particularly his sophomore campaign of 2016. He became just the sixth player in NCAA FBS history to have 200 yards rushing and 100 yards receiving in the same game when he tallied 207 yards on the ground and 120 in receiving against Florida Atlantic. James had a career-best 327 all-purpose yards against Florida Atlantic, which ranked second most in Middle Tennessee history.
"It is a great honor to be mentioned in the same company as the great players who are on the list for this award," James said. "The Lord has blessed me with talent, and I try to work hard and utilize it to the fullest. I am happy to play any role and do whatever my coaches and teammates need me to do in order to help the team."
During the 2016 campaign, James saw action at receiver, running back, and quarterback and also returned punts and kickoffs. He currently ranks second all-time at Middle Tennessee in receptions and receiving yards while standing fourth in touchdown catches.
James also ranks first among active players nationally in receptions per game and receiving yards per game. He has caught at least one pass in all 26 games he has played.
The dynamic performer was a first-team All C-USA selection and was voted MVP of the Hawai'i Bowl in 2016, when he was also named to the Beletnikoff Award and Maxwell Award Watch Lists. James had 105 receptions for a school-record 1,625 yards and 12 touchdowns while rushing for a career-high 339 yards. He led all receivers with 972 snaps played.
The Paul Hornung Watch List was compiled by a panel of college football experts based on 2016 statistics and expectations heading into the 2017 season. The list will be updated during the course of the season based on players' performances.
"Paul Hornung was a playmaker and the spirit of the Paul Hornung Award is to recognize versatile, high-level performers who make an impact on the game," said Karl Schmitt, executive director of the Louisville Sports Commission. "The Watch List is a work in progress, and we are particularly pleased from the outset to draw attention to almost two dozen individuals that have not received recognition with other awards."
Players Mentioned
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