In what will likely be the first of many, Nebraska wide receiver/kick returner De'Mornay Pierson-El was named to the Paul Hornung Award watch list on Monday.

The Paul Hornung Award, now in its sixth season, is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football. Pierson-el is just one of 11 sophomores to find his name on the 44-person list.

De’Mornay Pierson-El was one of the nation’s top special teams performers as a true freshman in 2014. One of five Husker true freshmen to see action, Pierson-El ranked among the nation’s best punt returners throughout his first season in Lincoln. Pierson-El finished 2014 ranked second nationally in punt return average at 17.5 yards per return. His 596 total punt return yards topped the nation, bettering all other players by nearly 200 yards. The total also ranked third on the Nebraska season charts, and he added three punt returns for touchdown.

Pierson-El also made his mark as a receiver, particularly in the final four games. He caught 23 passes for 321 yards and four touchdowns. He had 17 of his 23 receptions in the final four games, including a Nebraska bowl-record eight catches for 102 yards and a touchdown against USC.

