Staff Report

 

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall linebacker Jermaine Holmes and defensive end Jeremiah Taylor have been named to the watch list of the 2013 Defensive Awards given annually by the College Football Performance Awards (CFPA), the outlet announced Monday.

Holmes piled up 82 tackles, including 13.5 for loss last season (34 solo), with a sack, an interception, a pass breakup, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble.

The Valdosta, Ga., native really turned it on in the Herd’s last three games, totaling 42 tackles and four tackles for loss. He also had 11 tackles against eventual C-USA champion Tulsa on Oct. 6.

Taylor posted 54 tackles, including 8.5 for loss with 5.5 sacks last year, with a fumble recovery, two forced fumbles and a pair of blocked kicks.

Taylor — who played at South Point — also served as a captain last season and started every game from his defensive end position.

“Congratulations to Taylor and Holmes on earning spots on the 2013 CFPA Defensive Awards Watch List,” said CFPA Executive Director Brad Smith. “Both players will be top defenders to watch in 2013.”

Marshall quarterback Rakeem Cato, wide receiver Tommy Shuler and tight end Gator Hoskins were named to the Offensive Awards Watch List a week ago.

Two Marshall student-athletes have earned CFPA’s honors.

Former Marshall tight end Cody Slate won the CFPA Elite Tight End Trophy, while former defensive end Vinny Curry captured the CFPA Elite Defensive Lineman Trophy.

All CFPA recipients are selected exclusively based upon objective scientific rankings of the extent to which individual players increase the overall effectiveness of their teams.

All players are eligible for awards at their respective positions. Players are not preemptively eliminated from consideration.

More than 130 CFPA recipients have signed professional contracts, and 21 have been first-round NFL Draft selections.

The full list of 2013 CFPA recipients will be announced on Jan. 8.