FRISCO, TEXAS – Kennesaw State's redshirt freshman LB Bryson Armstrong shook the hand of NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice on the stage of the annual STATS FCS Banquet, winning the prestigious National Freshman of the Year Award.

Armstrong, a Marietta, Ga., native, is the first defensive player to win the award in its seven years of existence.

He (STATS FCS Jerry Rice) joined the banquet and presentation Friday evening, on the eve of the national championship game between James Madison and North Dakota State.

The STATS FCS Walter Payton Award, Buck Buchanan Award (FCS Defensive Player of the Year), STATS FCS Eddie Robinson Award, and the STATS FCS Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete of the Year were also presented.

"This award means a whole lot. I almost don't feel deserving of it considering it's named after one of the best NFL players of all time, but it is a very humble experience," said Armstrong. "I can't wait to shake hands with Mr. Rice as it is an honor to meet him. None of this would be possible without my lord and savior, my family, my coaches, and my teammates. I also would like to thank all the people who voted for me."



Armstrong was a three-time Big South Conference Freshman of the Week winner, a Big South Defensive Player of the Week, a STATS FCS National Player of the Week, and two-time STATS FCS National Player of the Week Honorable Mention.
 
He finished the 2017 campaign with 114 total tackles (85 solo), 12.5 tackles for loss, 11.0 sacks, three interceptions, seven pass breakups, one quarterback hurry, four recovered fumbles, three forced fumbles and one blocked kick.
 
Armstrong broke the KSU single-game record for most tackles, totaling 16 (11 solo) versus Samford (Nov. 25) in the first round of the FCS Playoffs, and his 11 solo tackles versus the Bulldogs were also a single-game record. His 11 sacks broke KSU's single-season record.

Fifth Third Bank is the Official Bank of Kennesaw State Athletics. Fifth Third Bank Stadium, the signature athletics landmark on the Kennesaw State University campus, is a world-class facility that has been recognized as one of the premier multi-use outdoor athletics venues in the country. In the fall of 2015, it become the official home of Owls football team and is home to Owls soccer and lacrosse as well.
 
Keep up with Kennesaw State Athletics by following KSU on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and or by liking Kennesaw State Owls on Facebook. You also can follow Kennesaw State football at @KennesawSTFB and The Owls fund on Twitter at @TheOwlsFund.

 
--#GoKSUOwls--
 
 

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