The Maxwell Football Club today announced 14 semifinalists for the 7th annual Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award presented to the outstanding freshman player in college football today. Minnesota defensive backs Kerry Brown and Koi Perich were both named to the list and the Gophers are the only program with two semifinalists.
Brown has played in eight games for Minnesota this season and is second on the team with 43 tackles (22 solo). He also has three tackles for loss and two interceptions this season. He has come up big recently in games for the Gophers. Against Maryland, he made a critical fourth-down stop in the first quarter when the game was still tied 0-0. That opening-drive stop would help propel the Gophers to a 48-23 win.
Last week at No. 24 Illinois, Brown made consecutive plays to thwart an Illini fourth-quarter rally. With the Gophers up 22-17, Brown recorded a tackle for loss on third down and then picked up a pass breakup on fourth down. Minnesota took over on downs and would win the game 25-17.
Perich has excelled on defense and in special teams for Minnesota this year. He ranks tied for second in the nation and is first in the Big Ten with five interceptions. He recorded an interception on the final offensive plays of the game for USC and UCLA to secure a Minnesota victory. His interception against Maryland resulted in a Gopher field goal. In the return game, Perich is averaging 14.17 yards per punt return and 18.11 yards per kick return.
Semifinalists are listed below:
Kerry Brown, Minnesota, Safety
Koi Perich, Minnesota, Safety
Ryan Williams, Alabama, Wide Receiver
Jordan Seaton, Colorado, Offensive Line
KJ Bolden, Georgia, Safety
Isaac Brown, Louisville, Running Back
Dylan Raiola, Nebraska, Quarterback
Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State, Wide Receiver
Anthony Donkoh, Penn State, Offensive Line
Eli Holstein, Pittsburgh, Quarterback
Dylan Stewart, South Carolina, Edge
Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee, Quarterback
Colin Simmons, Texas, Edge
Josiah Trotter, West Virginia, Linebacker
For the fourth consecutive year, the award will be presented at the Maxwell Football Club Awards along with several of the other top awards in college and professional football.
The Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award has been presented to the College Freshman Player of the Year since 2018 and is named in honor of Shaun Alexander, a former standout at the University of Alabama and with the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL.
Past award winners include; Trevor Lawrence (Clemson) – 2018, Kenneth Gainwell (Memphis)-2019, Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama) – 2020, Brock Bowers (Georgia) – 2021, Drake Maye (North Carolina) – 2022 and Caleb Downs (Alabama/Ohio State) 2023.
The Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award watch list will incorporate a broad spectrum of Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) programs and conferences from coast to coast led by Minnesota with two candidates, and 12 schools represented by one candidate.
Finalists for the 7th annual Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year award will be Dec. 4, 2024, and the winner of the award will be announced on Dec. 26, 2024. The formal presentation of this award will be made at the Maxwell Football Club Awards on Friday March 14, 2025, at the College Football Hall of Fame.
ABOUT THE MAXWELL FOOTBALL CLUB
The Maxwell Football Club was founded in 1935 and is the oldest football organization of its kind in America. The Club recognizes excellence in performance at the high school, collegiate and professional levels of the game. The Maxwell Club is also deeply involved and fully vested in the community through programs to promote academic excellence, community volunteerism, and leadership. High school student-athletes around the country have an opportunity to participate in MFC Showcase events, free of charge, through the generosity of our corporate partners.
ABOUT THE SHAUN ALEXANDER FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
The Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Year Award is an honor given each year to the most outstanding freshman player in college football. Named after Shaun Alexander since 2018, this award recognizes the exceptional performance and impact made by these players on their respective teams throughout the season. The winning formula evaluates players based on Talent, Character, Ambassador and Legend.
(info and photos courtesy of Gopher Sports)
