MANHATTAN – Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn added to his postseason honors on Thursday as he was named one of seven semifinalists for the Shaun Alexander-FWAA Freshman of the Year award, the Football Writers Association of America announced.
One of three true freshmen to be named a semifinalist for the award, Vaughn is the first Wildcat to be in the running for the honor that is in its third year of existence. Joining Vaughn on this year’s list is Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler, Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall, Notre Dame running back Kyren Williams, Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr., Northwestern defensive back Brandon Joseph and LSU defensive back Eli Ricks.
Vaughn, a product of Round Rock, Texas, burst onto the scene in 2020 as he reset four K-State freshman marks, including rushing yards (642) and all-purpose yards (1,221). He ranks second nationally among freshmen in all-purpose yards and yards from scrimmage (1,076).
His inclusion on the Shaun Alexander-FWAA Freshman of the Year semifinalist list adds to Vaughn’s impressive resume. Last week he was named the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year and a Second Team All-Big 12 performer by the league’s coaches. Earlier this week, Vaughn was an Honorable Mention All-American by Pro Football Focus and a First Team Freshman All-American by The Athletic. Earlier on Thursday, Vaughn was selected a Second Team All-Big 12 performer as both a running back and all-purpose player by the Associated Press.
A list of three finalists for the Shaun Alexander-FWAA Freshman of the Year will be released following bowl games on January 2.