UIW quarterback Cameron Ward has won the Jerry Rice Award as the top freshman in FCS football after a sensational first season in San Antonio. The award is presented by STATS LLC. 

Ward put together a sensational true freshman campaign, completing 60.3 percent of his passes for 2,260 yards, 24 touchdowns and just four interceptions. He added a pair of rushing scores in the six-game season. Ward led the nation in passing touchdowns despite playing fewer games than most other leaders. His performance helped launch the Cardinals to a national ranking and 3-3 mark in the spring season. 

The Columbia High School product led his program to becoming 2019 co-district champions and earned all-district and honorable mention all-state honors. He was also a two-time all-district Offensive MVP in basketball. 

Ward is set to be honored at the FCS National Awards show on May 15, which will be broadcast on Bally Sports Regional Networks. The Rice Award is named after Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice, who caught 301 passes for 4,693 yards and 50 touchdowns at HBCU Mississippi Valley State. 

Other winners of the Jerry Rice Award include North Dakota State QB Trey Lance, Eastern Washington WR Cooper Kupp and Fordham RB Chase Edmonds.