Eleven players were added on Wednesday to the watch list for the 2021 Stats Perform FCS Walter Payton Award, presented annually to the national offensive player of the year in college football’s Division I subdivision.
The Payton Award, celebrating its 35th anniversary season, is named for the legendary Hall of Fame running back. Past recipients include Steve McNair, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook, Jimmy Garoppolo, Cooper Kupp and Trey Lance.
Nominated to the watch list:
Quarterback
Davis Alexander, Portland State
Ren Hefley, Presbyterian
Keon Howard, UT Martin
Cole Johnson, James Madison
Shedeur Sanders, Jackson State
Jason Shelley, Missouri State
Xavier Shepherd, Kennesaw State
Running Back
Malik Grant, Sacred Heart
Isaiah Ifanse, Montana State
Wide Receiver
Xavier Gipson, Stephen F. Austin
Offensive Line
Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa
The original watch list in the preseason included 35 players. A 50-member, national media panel will select the winner following the regular season.
Also this season, Stats Perform will present the Buck Buchanan Award (FCS defensive player of the year), Jerry Rice Award (FCS freshman player of the year), Eddie Robinson Award (FCS coach of the year) and Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete of the Year.