–Staunch in spirit, stubborn and strong-willed, without a shred of fear, McNelly, tenacious and tireless to the end, intercepted and apprehended hundreds of Texas outlaws. McNelly’s Rangers were ruthless when necessary, causing incessant disruptions to the outlaw network. “They would stop at nothing in pursuit of justice.”
Similar to how the following SIX Defensive Backs stop at nothing in pursuit of intercepting or deflecting the football or wrangling ball carriers to the ground.
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Ladies and Gentlemen. May I have your attention for a moment. There are two games remaining in the regular season and we have narrowed the McNelly Award Finalists presented by Single High Sports to six.
Six outstanding defensive backs who have labored for and led their teams to victories this season. These young men exemplify everything necessary to become a McNelly Award Finalist: courage, brains, and ability. Fear is simply not an option with these fine candidates.
–Now, without further ado, it is my privilege to present the 2025 McNelly Award Finalists.
Stats are from Week 13.
McNelly Award Final SIX
- Nick Andersen/ Wake Forest
-7 Tackles, 1 PD against Delaware
The Senior has consistently led his team all season and his efforts have helped the Demon Deacons to an astonishing 7-3 season. I say astonishing because the vast majority of football experts picked this team to win five games or less this season. Yet, they have achieved seven with two games to go.
Nick Andersen’s consistent play is one of the primary reasons.
Look for #45 this weekend against Duke. Only up.
- Ahmaad Moses/ SMU
-8 Tackles vs Louisville. 38-6 Win
Moses has been a lightning bolt for the Mustangs on defense all season and one of the leaders on the defense. Perhaps, he’s not leading them all the way to the ‘Promised Land’ of a playoff berth, but a 7-3 record with two games to go is a worthy position.
The Senior has put together a great season highlighted by his performance against Miami. 15 Tackles, two for a loss, and two picks led the Mustangs to an overtime victory.
He’ll have his chance to impress this weekend as he plays against Cal in Berkely. Only up #3.
- Louis Moore/ Indiana
-BYE Week
One of the smoothest Safeties in all the land. He’s recorded picks in five separate games including one against one of the best QB’s in the country, Dante Moore. In that particular game he recorded 8 tackles along with an elite interception on a deep ball. The focus, speed, instincts, hands, and smoothness in his stride reminded me of the GOAT Safety of all time and Honorary McNelly Award winner, Ed Reed.
It takes an exceptional play to give me that sort of flashback, but on that particular play, he was Ed Reed incarnate.
We’ll get our last chance to watch this elite player 11/28 at Purdue. Only up #7
- Caleb Offord/ Kennesaw St
-DNP against Missouri St and Jacob Clark
According to the stats, the Senior Cornerback has been as consistent in coverage as anyone this year. Enough to where he caught my eye to add him to this list.
He gets a big chance to show off his skills against Liberty at 1:30 on Espn+
Only up #2.
- Bishop Fitzgerald/ USC
-DNP (Injured) vs Oregon.
If I had to pick a favorite player on this list just off of likability, it’s Bishop. I’ll admit that there may be an acorn of bias since I followed the Trojan team so closely over the Summer and learned to like several players from a distance.
Bishop is not only a leader filled with undaunted courage but keeps it light with his team whenever possible. Maybe not while he’s laying waste to a running back in the open field or intercepting a QB, but during interviews and on the sidelines, he comes off as a lighthearted dude.
But it is the Senior Safety’s play on the field that lands him on this list.
Surprisingly, it was his effort in the Trojan loss at Notre Dame that impressed me the most. He recorded ten tackles in that game, including several encounters with the Best Running Back in the country and Heisman candidate, Jeremiyah Love. Not every one of those encounters went his way, but he went full bore with each effort on that terribly rainy night.
#19 will have to impress in a big way to win this award. Vs UCLA Saturday at Primetime on NBC.
Only up.
- Josh Moten/ Southern Miss
-8 Tackles, 1 TFL in the 35-42 loss to South Alabama
Josh made the preseason McNelly Watchlist of twelve, but up until three weeks ago, simply hadn’t accomplished enough to earn a spot on this list. That all changed when he put on a show in Jonesboro. 6 Tackles and 3 interceptions in the 27-21 road win against Arkansas St.
The Senior CB will have his next chance to shine against Troy this Saturday. Only up #1.
–This game will decide the Sun Belt West and matters. 1:30 on Espn+
Can Moten win the game for his team and keep his hat in the ring to win this inaugural award?
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Let’s root for all these players to impact their teams. Good luck to all.
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It’s the afternoon of Thanksgiving Eve and the final week of the College Football regular season. The final week to stake your place in the Chosen CFP 12 and the final week to win the McNelly Award. Basically, two equal rewards.
Find the Humor and Keep on Movin’
Whit W.