Posted: 07/21/2011 | Last updated: July 21, 2011 at 12:24 PM
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Four from Lehigh football were named to the 2011 Division I FCS Watch List on Thursday, as announced by the College Football Performance Awards (CFPA). Recognized among the top players at their respective positions were Chris Lum (quarterback), Ryan Spadola (wide receiver), Mike Groome (linebacker) and Tanner Rivas (linebacker).
A rising senior captain, Lum enjoyed a stellar 2010 season in his first year of starting duty. He completed 58 percent of his passes for 2,881 yards and 19 touchdowns in leading the Mountain Hawks to a Patriot League Championship and NCAA First Round win at Northern Iowa. He then went on to complete 35-of-58 passes for 362 yards in the Second Round at eventual National Finalist Delaware.
Spadola has already received endless preseason recognition following a breakout sophomore campaign. Last year, he caught 78 passes for 1,130 yards and nine touchdowns, becoming Lehigh’s first 1,000 yard receiver since 2001. The First Team All-Patriot League selection tied a school record with 14 receptions in a big win at Harvard. Already in 2011, The Sports Network has named Spadola as a Third Team All-American as well as one of the top 10 FCS wide receivers. He was also recognized as an honorable mention All-American by Consensus Draft Services and was named to the Lindy’s All-FCS Offensive First Team.
Lehigh’s returning tackler (131) and a First Team All-Patriot League honoree, Groome recorded seven tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception in 2011. A rising senior captain, Groome was recently named one of the top 10 FCS linebackers by The Sports Network. Like Spadola, he was also recognized as an honorable mention All-American by Consensus Draft Services.
Rivas started all 13 games a year ago, finishing with 71 total tackles which stood fourth on the Mountain Hawks. The rising senior has enjoyed success on and off the field, being named both a Second Team All-Patriot League and Academic All-Patriot League honoree. He also finished second on the squad with 9.5 tackles-for-loss and five sacks.
Lehigh has also garnered preseason recognition by Lindy’s, coming in at #12 in its preseason top-25.
The Mountain Hawks open the 2011 season at Monmouth on Sept. 3. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. Their home opener is set for the following Saturday against New Hampshire at Goodman Stadium.