UCA players fall short of awards

The University of Central Arkansas’ two end-of-season football award finalists — running back Darius Hale and receiver Tyler Hudson — found out their respective places in award voting this week.

The Jerry Rice Award, given annually to the best FCS freshman, was awarded to Jackson State quarterback Shedeur Sanders on Monday. Sanders received 169 points in voting, including 17 first-place votes. Hale finished second in voting, with 131 votes and 10 first-place votes. Hale was one of three finalists to receive 100-plus points.

The top three finalists for the Walter Payton Award, given annually to the top offensive player in the FCS, were announced on Dec. 7. Among 25 finalists, Hudson was one of three who received no votes.

Hale finished the 2021 season with 1,058 rushing yards, becoming the Bears’ first 1,000-yard rusher since 2009. He is one of 15 1,000-yard rushers in the FCS, and his 17 rushing touchdowns are second-most this season.

Hudson broke UCA’s single-game, single-season and career receiving yards record this season, finishing with 1,227 yards. He’s currently third in the FCS in that receiving yards.