Preseason Nominees For FCS Walter Payton Award Introduced
By Kyle Kensing
Jan 5, 2013; Frisco, TX, USA; North Dakota State Bison quarterback Brock Jensen (16) calls a play in the fourth quarter against the Sam Houston State Bearkats during the FCS Championship football game at FC Dallas Stadium. North Dakota State beat Sam Houston State 39-13. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
The Sports Network, presenter of the Football Championship Subdivision’s postseason individual awards, introduced the 20 nominees for the 2013 Walter Payton Award on Monday.
The Walter Payton Award is presented to the subdivision’s offensive player of the year. Notable past winners include Villanova running back Brian Westbrook (2001), Eastern Illinois quarterback Tony Romo (2002) and Alcorn State quarterback Steve McNair (1994). Current Alabama Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier won the award in 1993 as quarterback of the Idaho Vandals.
Last year’s honoree was Old Dominion quarterback Taylor Heinicke. Heinicke returns for another season, but will not have the opportunity to join Appalachian State star Armanti Edwards (2008 and 2009) as the award’s only two-time recipients. ODU is in a transition season to FBS membership.
While the reigning Walter Payton Award winner cannot defend his crown, 12 past finalists “flood” the initial list of 20 contenders.
Among them is Towson Tigers running back Terrance West, who is no stranger to postseason awards. West earned the first-ever Jerry Rice Award in 2011, given to the top freshman in FCS.
West is one of two running backs from the Colonial Athletic Association, widely regarded as the top FCS conference. Veteran Delaware running back Andrew Pierce joins him.
Recent precedent suggests running backs West, Pierce, Zach Bauman (Northern Arizona), Tim Flanders (Sam Houston State), David Johnson (Northern Iowa), Shakir Bell (Indiana State), Carlton Koonce (Fordham) and Zach Zenner (South Dakota State) have an uphill climb. Quarterbacks have claimed every Walter Payton Award since 2004.
That bodes well for such preseason nominees as Brock Jensen. The North Dakota State senior enters the season looking to lead the Bison to a third consecutive NCAA championship. Only Appalachian State has won three straight I-AA/FCS titles, from 2005 to 2007.
Visit The Sports Network for the complete rundown of Walter Payton Award nominees.