Vandeven, McCullough named to CFPA Performer of the Year watch lists

Southeast Missouri State quarterback Dante Vandeven is one of three Ohio Valley Conference football players who were named to the College Football Performance Awards FCS National Freshman Performer of the Year watch list.

Eastern Kentucky running back Ethan Thomas and Tennessee State quarterback O'Shay Ackerman-Carter also were added to the watch list, which is made up of 32 players in the Football Championship Subdivision.

Vandeven is one of 12 QBs on the list.

The Jackson native, who has started for the Redhawks for the last six games, has completed 65.3 percent of his passes for 1,103 yards and eight touchdowns. He's rushed for 232 yards and a team-best five touchdowns on 63 carries.

Junior running back Tremane McCullough is on the CFPA FCS All-Purpose Performer of the Year watch list.

McCullough is one of five OVC players on the list. Eastern Illinois running back Devin Church, Jacksonville State running back Troymaine Pope, Tennessee State wide Receiver Patrick Smith and Tennessee Tech running back Ladarius Vanlier also made the list, which consists of 20 RBs and 12 WRs.

McCullough, who transferred from Arizona Western Community College, leads the OVC in rushing with 878 yards and three touchdowns on 137 carries. He's caught 24 passes for 126 yards. He also has 152 yards on kick return.

Southeast sophomore cornerback Mike Ford was named to the CFPA FCS Defensive Awards Watch List last week. He is fifth on the team with 37 tackles and leads the Redhawks with four interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. He has recorded one sack and four pass breakups.

The award winners will be announced January 13, 2016.