Bronx, N.Y. (June 2, 2014) – Fordham University defensive back Ian Williams was named to the 2014 College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) FCS Defensive Backs Awards Watch List it was announced on Monday. He becomes the third Ram to be named to a CFPA Watch List, joining Brett Biestek (DL) and Stephen Hodge (LB).

"Congratulations to Ian Williams on earning a spot on this year's watch list," said CFPA Executive Director Brad Smith. "Williams produced a number of strong performances during the 2013 season."
 
Williams, a three-year starter in the defensive backfield who earned First Team All-Patriot League honors last fall and Second Team accolades in 2012, was second on the team with 86 total tackles, 66 solo, including two for a loss and two sacks. He was second on the team with four interceptions and had a team-high 15 pass breakups along with two forced fumbles. Williams led the Patriot League and was seventh in the NCAA FCS in passes defended and was ranked ninth in interceptions and is 16^th in total tackles/game.

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.
 
The initial watch list includes 38 defensive backs, vying for the top defensive back 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.