Mercer football: JT Palmer Named to CFPA Punt Returner Watch List

MACON, Ga. — Mercer University’s JT Palmer was named to the 2014 College Football Performance Awards Punt Returner Watch List, becoming one of 34 return men from the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) to receive recognition.

Palmer returned 10 punts in 2013, posting 11.2 yards per return to rank second in the Pioneer Football League. The Calhoun, Ga. native also hauled in 30 receptions for 521 yards and seven touchdowns.

The junior wide receiver is the fifth Bear to garner preseason recognition from the CFPA this year, as tight end Robert Brown, quarterback John Russ, running back Payton Usher and placekicker Tyler Zielenske were each named to the watch list for their respective positions this summer.

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.

Mercer will open up its 2014 season under the lights on August 28 at 7 p.m., when it hosts Reinhardt at Mercer University Stadium. Single-game tickets for the season opener will go on sale on Monday, August 4.