Bronx, N.Y. (May 27, 2014) – Fordham University senior linebacker Stephen Hodge was named to the 2014 College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) FCS Awards Watch List it was announced on Monday. He becomes the second Ram to be named to a CFPA Watch List, joining Brett Biestek who was named to the CFPA Watch List for defensive linemen last week.

"Congratulations to Stephen Hodge on earning a spot on this year's watch list," said CFPA Executive Director Brad Smith. "Hodge will be one of the top Patriot League players to watch in 2014."
 
Two Fordham players have earned CFPA honors. Former Fordham tight end Stephen Skelton earned CFPA honors in 2010, while current Tampa Bay Bucs specialist Patrick Murray earned the 2011 CFPA Punter Award and 2012 CFPA Placekicker Award.
 
Hodge, a 2013 Beyond Sports Network and College Sports Madness All-American the 2013 Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year, finished the season with 124 tackles, 94 solo, including 16 tackles for loss, five sacks, five forced fumbles, four quarterback hurries, three fumble recoveries and an interception. He led the nation in solo tackles/game (6.7) and led the Patriot League and was eighth the in country with the five forced fumbles. Hodge helped key Fordham's upset of Temple on Sept. 14 by making 11 tackles with a sack and a forced fumble, and also earned Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance against Georgetown (14 tackles, sack) and Holy Cross (15 tackles, 4 TFL, 1 FF). He was named Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week three times, tying Hodge for the most in League history.
 
The initial watch list includes 38 linebackers, vying for the top linebacker award in the Football Championship Subdivision. All players are eligible for awards at their respective positions; players are not preemptively eliminated from consideration.
 
The goal of College Football Performance Awards is to provide the most scientifically rigorous conferments in college football. Recipients are selected exclusively based upon objective scientific rankings of the extent to which individual players increase the overall effectiveness of their teams. Twenty-eight CFPA winners have been first-round NFL Draft selections.
 
Last season, Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston earned the CFPA National Performer of the Year Trophy for the FBS, while Eastern Washington quarterback Vernon Adams earned the CFPA FCS National Performer of the Year Trophy. 
 
CFPA Trophy winner and former South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney was the first overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft.
 
The full list of 2014 CFPA winners will be announced January 14, 2015.