Title image via Yusuf Abdullah
Courtesy of Derek W. Bryant, Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations & Sports Information
Stats Perform revealed its 35-player preseason watch list for the prestigious Walter Payton Award where Howard University graduate running back Jarett Hunter (Mineral, Va.) was among the recipients selected. The announcement came Tuesday morning.
The Walter Payton Award is presented annually to the national offensive player of the year in Division I FCS college football.
Last week (July 30), Hunter was named Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Preseason Offensive Player of the Year after recording nearly 900 yards of total offense with 11 total TDs a year ago.
In his stellar career, the Virginia product has produced nearly 2,800 total yards of offense with 24 total TDs.
The award, in its 38th season and affectionately known as the Heisman of the FCS, is named for legendary running back Walter Payton, who starred at Jackson State as part of his Hall of Fame career. Past recipients include Steve McNair, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook, Jimmy Garoppolo, Cooper Kupp and Trey Lance.
All 13 FCS conferences are represented on the watch list.
Howard opens the 2024 campaign at Rutgers Thursday (Aug. 29), live on the Big Ten Network. Kickoff at 6 p.m., inside SHI Stadium.
