FRISCO, Texas - Hours before officially receiving their FCS national awards, Rob Ambrose and Terrance West spoke to the national media on Friday afternoon at Pizza Hut Park.

Ambrose is the 25th winner of the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year award while West is the first winner of the Jerry Rice Award, presented to the top freshman in FCS.

The press conference was held on the eve of the NCAA FCS Championship Game which will be played on Saturday between Sam Houston State and North Dakota State.

Ambrose and West were joined at the press conference by linebacker Matt Evans of New Hampshire, the winner of the Buchanan Award as the top defensive player in FCS. All three award winners were representatives of the Colonial Athletic Association.

"The CAA is such a tough conference," said West. "Everyone in our league can play and we go out and prove it every week."

West, who leads NCAA FCS with 29 touchdowns, admitted that he was thrilled to win the Jerry Rice Award. But, he admitted, "I look at this as a team award. Without the offensive line and how well they played, I wouldn't be here."

Ambrose, who led the Tigers to a 9-3 record and their first CAA championship, added, "The CAA is such a strong league. We have outstanding coaches from top to bottom and the players are as good as you'll find anywhere. Coaching in this league is so hard because every week, it feels like to are in prize fight."

Ambrose admitted, "It is such a tremendous honor to win this award and I am so grateful to be here. However, I would gladly trade the award for the opportunity to be able to coach in the national championship game."

Ambrose and West will receive their awards this evening at the FCS Awards Dinner.