CHARLOTTE, N.C. (June 16, 2013) – College Football Performance Awards, the largest awards organization in D-I college football, recently announced its watch list for the 2013 CFPA Defensive Back Award, and Jakob DeMedal earned a spot on the list. The preliminary watch list highlights 36 returning performers, vying for the top individual defensive back award in the Football Championship Subdivision.

"Congratulations to Jakob on earning a spot on the 2013 CFPA Watch List," said CFPA Executive Director Brad Smith. "Coach Villarrial has a talented pass defender for the 2013 season."

DeMedal joins Kyle Harbridge (Easton, Pa./Easton Area) and Bishop Neal (Clairton, Pa./Clairton) on the 2013 CFPA Watch List.

Last season, DeMedal led the Red Flash in tackles with 88, including five for a loss, and forced a Northeast Conference-high three fumbles, while recording four pass break ups.  As a junior, the All-NEC First Team selection registered eight or more tackles in six games and 59 of his stops were solo.

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.

The full list of 2013 recipients, including the 2013 CFPA FCS Awards, will be announced on January 8, 2014.