James and Perera Named to 2012 CFPA Watch List

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Charleston Southern cornerback Charles James, and wide receiver Nathan Perera, have been named to the 2012 College Football Performance Awards Preseason Watch List, it was announced Monday. James, a redshirt senior who was named to the defensive back watch list last month, also found his name penciled in among 38 of the best punt returners in FCS football. Perera, a junior, earned a spot on CFPA’s wide receiver watch list.

James matched a CSU single-season record with six interceptions in 2010, and picked off two more passes a year ago to enter his final campaign only one away from tying Phillip Ashley’s program record of 11. In addition to his ball-hawking, the Jacksonville, Florida native also displayed his nose for the football by finishing third on the 2011 Bucs with 40 solo stops and 66 total tackles. James has also proved to be a game-changer in the return game, as he ran back 19 punts for 185 yards in 2011. He got the Bucs on the scoreboard with a 34-yard touchdown return versus Wesley, and displayed his elusiveness with a 46-yard return in a back-and-forth affair with rival Coastal Carolina.

Perera enjoyed a breakout season in 2011, as the Orlando, Florida native finished second in conference games in receptions and receiving yards per game to earn a place on the Big South All-Conference First Team Offense. Perera finished the year with 43 catches for 709 yards and four touchdowns, and highlighted his campaign with a sensational 10-catch, 232 yard, two touchdown outing versus Stony Brook.

College Football Performance Awards is the largest awards organization in Division I college football. For more information, including the watch list for every position, click here.