Louie-McGee in the running for Freshman of the Year

For the past three weeks, Montana head coach Bob Stitt has been asked one question over and over again: When's Jerry coming back?

After dealing with an injury, the answer to that question is not so simple. But now fans and national selectors alike are waiting to find out the answer.

Redshirt Freshman wide receiver Jerry Louie-McGee is one of 17 freshman standouts on the STATS FCS National Freshman of the Year watch list the newsgathering service announced Tuesday.

Louie-McGee has become an instant sensation in just four games of college football for the Griz. His breakout performance came in week two of the season at Northern Iowa when he ran back an 81-yard punt return to spark a Montana win on the road. For his effort, he was named the STATS FCS National Freshman of the Week soon after.

He followed that performance up by shattering the school record and tying the Big Sky record for pass receptions in a game with 21 for 155 yards and two touchdowns at Cal Poly. He then posted his second 100-plus yard game in a row with 118 yards through the air against Southern Utah before being sidelined with an injury.

Even with just four games under his belt, the 5-foot-9 freshman from Coeur d'Alene Idaho sits third on Montana's top receivers list with 366 yards this season.

Louie-McGee is still listed as day-to-day for the Griz and will return to action upon being cleared by the Montana athletic training staff.

A national panel of over 150 sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries will vote on the FCS freshman player of the year following the regular season. True and redshirt freshmen are eligible for the award.

STATS FCS National Freshman of the Year Watch List

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Tyrie Adams, Western Carolina, QB, 6-2, 180, St. Petersburg, Florida
Efficient dual-threat ranks second in the Southern Conference and 12th in the FCS in total offense.
2016 Statistics: 157 of 243, 1,818 yards, 12 TDs, 8 INTs; 72 carries, 179 yards, 1 TD (7 games)
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Jordan Bentley, Alabama A&M, RB, 6-0, 200, Guntersville, Alabama
Considered a steal for the SWAC, running back has a nose for the end zone.
2016 Statistics: 98 carries, 576 yards, 7 TDs; 7 receptions, 65 yards, 1 TD (7 games)
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Marlon Bridges, Jacksonville State, S, 6-1, 240, Lanett, Alabama
Works all over the field as the leading tackler for the two-time defending OVC champions.
2016 Statistics: 47 TT (24 Solo), 1.5 TFL, 3 INTs, 3 PBU, 4 FF (7 games)
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Elijah Burress, Campbell, QB, 6-2, 225, Fredericksburg, Virginia
Strong, sturdy dual-threat ranks fifth in the Pioneer Football League in total offense.
2016 Statistics: 70 of 122, 858 yards, 6 TDs, 4 INTs; 68 carries, 358 yards, 1 TD (6 games)
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Stephen Calvert, Liberty, QB, 6-2, 180, Plantation, Florida
Reigning STATS FCS Freshman of the Week has surpassed 300 passing yards in two of his three starts.
2016 Statistics: 97 of 157, 1,214 yards, 10 TDs, 5 INTs (7 games)
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Jaylan Foster, Gardner-Webb, CB, 6-0, 190, Duncan, South Carolina
Defensive playmaker is among the FCS leaders in takeaways.
2016 Statistics: 31 TT (23 Solo), 2.5 TFL, 0.5 SK, 3 INTs, 6 PBU, 2 FR (8 games)
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A.J. Hines, Duquesne, RB, 5-11, 220, Wilson, North Carolina
Ranks fifth in the FCS in rushing yards and sixth in rushing yards per game.
2016 Statistics: 149 carries, 817 yards, 6 TDs; 10 receptions, 136 yards, 1 TD (7 games)
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Pop Lacey, New Hampshire, S, 6-0, 194, Reading, Pennsylvania
Athletic safety wraps up ball carriers to lead perennial CAA Football power in tackles.
2016 Statistics: 51 TT (38 Solo), 3 PBU, 1 FR, 1 FF (8 games)
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Sully Laiche, Nicholls, DE, 6-2, 255, Gramercy, Louisiana
Was the STATS FCS Defensive Player of the Week following Oct. 8 win over Stephen F. Austin
2016 Statistics: 44 TT (20 Solo), 7.5 TFL, 4 SK, 1 FF, 1 BK (7 games)
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Joe Logan, Northern Arizona, RB, 5-11, 200, Buckeye, Arizona
All-around threat plays for NAU team that boasts 2015 FCS freshman of the year Case Cookus.
2016 Statistics: 67 carries, 571 yards, 4 TDs; 5 receptions, 29 yards; 7 KR, 139 yards, 19.9 ypr (6 games)
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Jerry Louie-McGee, Montana, WR, 5-9, 168, Coeur d'Alenee, Idaho
Tied the Big Sky record with 21 receptions against Cal Poly in his third career game.
2016 Statistics: 41 receptions, 366 yards, 2 TDs; 7 KR, 153 yards, 21.9 ypr; 8 PR, 154 yards, 1 TD, 19.2 ypr (4 games)
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Steven Newbold, Tennessee State, WR, 5-11, 170, Carol City, Florida
Speedster stretches the field while averaging 22 yards per reception.
2016 Statistics: 25 receptions, 550 yards, 3 TDs (7 games)
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Corey Parker, William & Mary, S, 5-11, 190, Haymarket, Virginia
Season's first STATS FCS Freshman of the Week had 15 tackles and an interception against N.C. State.
2016 Statistics: 46 TT (26 Solo), 3 INTs, 2 PBU, 2 FR (7 games)
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Max Roberts, Fordham, LB, 6-1, 222, Delaware, Ohio
Hard-hitting linebacker is adept at hurrying quarterbacks into throws.
2016 Statistics: 33 TT (20 Solo), 7 TFL, 4.5 SK, 9 QBH, 1 FR, 3 FF (7 games)
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Christian Rozeboom, South Dakota State, LB, 6-2, 215, Sioux Center, Iowa
Team leader in tackles ranks third in the rugged Missouri Valley Conference.
2016 Statistics: 72 TT (34 Solo), 4 TFL, 3 SK, 2 INTs, 2 FF
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Shane Simpson, Towson, RB/RS, 5-9, 185, Easton, Pennsylvania
100-yard kickoff return vs. New Hampshire shows 2015 shoulder surgery didn't impact Simpson's legs
2016 Statistics: 67 carries, 307 yards, 1 TD; 6 PR, 38 yards, 6.3 ypr; 21 KR, 617 yards, 1 TD, 29.4 ypr (7 games)
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Gee Stanley, Robert Morris, LB, 6-2, 200, Miami
Leads all FCS freshmen and tied for ninth nationally with 7.5 sacks.
2016 Statistics: 48 TT (26 Solo), 9 TFL, 7.5 SK, 1 PBU, 2 QBH, 1 FR, 2 FF (8 games)

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