MOSCOW, Idaho – University of Idaho redshirt freshman quarterback Gevani McCoy was among 25 players nationally named to the Jerry Rice Award Watchlist.
 
The award is presented to the most outstanding freshman in the FCS. The Rice Award, now in its 12th season, is named after legendary Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice. Past recipients include Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (Eastern Washington), Miami Dolphins running back Chase Edmonds (Fordham) and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (North Dakota State).
 
McCoy is among the nation's leaders in completion percentage and passing efficiency. He is third in completion percentage at 73.7% and fifth in passing efficiency at 170.9. His numbers aren't coming on short passes, he is 10th in the FCS for yards per attempt at 8.94.
 
When you include just FCS games, his numbers are even more impressive. He is 80.4% completion percentage with eight touchdown and just one interception. His efficiency number jumps to 187.2.
 
McCoy has led Idaho to four-straight wins, including a road win over second-ranked Montana at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.
 
He was named the STATS Perform National FCS Freshman of the Week after his performance against Northern Colorado and the Big Sky Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Week after the win over Montana.
 
The Vandals continue their Big Sky Conference slate with a game against Portland State Saturday at 12 p.m. at the Kibbie Dome.