Vanlier named to CFPA preseason Watch List of top FCS returnees
August 8, 2014

Vanlier named to CFPA preseason Watch List of top FCS returnees

Tennessee Tech junior return specialist Ladarius Vanlier has earned a spot on the 2014 CFPA Punt Returner Award Watch List, as announced by College Football Performance Award.


COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee Tech junior return specialist Ladarius Vanlier has earned a spot on the 2014 CFPA Punt Returner Award Watch List, as announced by College Football Performance Award.

"Congratulations to Tennessee Tech's Ladarius Vanlier on earning a spot on this year's watch list," said CFPA Executive Director Brad Smith. "Vanlier produced a number of strong punt returns last season, including a 93-yard touchdown."

Vanlier is an all-purpose runningback for the Golden Eagles, toting the ball and catching passes in addition to his role as a punt and kickoff return man. He had 54 carries for 365 yards to rank second on the squad in rushing yardage, and caught 12 passes for 75 yards. As a kick returner, he handled 27 kickoffs and brought them back for 635 yards, an average of 23.5 yards per attempt. Lined up deep for punts, he had 17 returns for 203 yards including his 93-yard scoring spree in the season opener.

In total, Vanlier led Tech with 1,278 all-purpose yards in 2014. In his first two seasons, the Maplewood High School (Nashville) product has accounted for 2,343 all-purpose yards.

The initial watch list includes 34 returning performers, vying for the top punt returner 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 conferment 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. The CFPA is now in its seventh season of player and team performance recognition.

The Golden Eagles will hold their first scrimmage of fall camp on Saturday, with an earlier starting time than originally scheduled. The event will get underway at 10 a.m. in Tucker Stadium and is open to the public.

Season tickets to wath Vanlier and the Golden Eagles are currently on sale by visiting the Athletic Ticket Office in Eblen Center or calling (931) 372-3940. Tickets may also be purchased online at TTUsports.com.