Stats Perform has announced North Carolina Central University senior quarterback Davius Richard and Alcorn State senior running back Jarveon Howard among 35 FCS standouts named to the 2023 Walter Payton Award Preseason Watch List.
The award is given annually to the national offensive player of the year in Division I FCS college football.
Richard, a 6-foot-3 dual-threat QB, was a 2022 Walter Payton Award finalist and finished his junior campaign leading the MEAC in passing yards (2,661), passing touchdowns (25), and rushing touchdowns (15). He was also voted MEAC Offensive Player of the Year and named Offensive MVP of the 2022 Cricket Celebration Bowl, a 41-34 win by the Eagles over Jackson State.
Howard, in his first season with Alcorn State in 2022 after transferring from Syracuse, rushed for 1,275 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was named to the All-SWAC First Team and received the SWAC Newcomer of the Year award.
The Walter Payton Award, which is presented by FedEx Ground and is in its 37th season, is named for legendary running back Walter Payton, who starred at Jackson State as part of his Hall of Fame career.
