UACFOOTBALL -- Stats Perform announced its preseason watch list for the 2023 Walter Payton Award presented by FedEx Ground with a pair of UAC student-athletes included: EKU quarterback Parker McKinney and Central Arkansas running back ShunDerrick Powell. The Payton Award is given annually to the national offensive player of the year in Division I FCS college football.

A total of 35 players with all 15 FCS conferences, which combine to form 13 leagues, represented on the watch list. The preseason listing featured 12 past finalists including both McKinney and Powell, who both were highly considered in 2022.

More players can join the watch list during the regular season before a national media panel selects the winner from a
group of finalists. First awarded in 1987, the Payton has had past recipients such as Steve McNair, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook, Jimmy Garoppolo, Cooper Kupp and Trey Lance move on to the NFL. 

2023 Walter Payton Award Preseason Watch List
Quarterbacks
Bret Bushka, Butler
Zach Calzada, UIW
Theo Day, Northern Iowa
Cole Doyle, Saint Francis
Zevi Eckhaus, Bryant
Mark Gronowski, South Dakota State
Nolan Grooms, Yale
Miles Hastings, UC Davis
Michael Hiers, Samford
Gevani McCoy, Idaho
Parker McKinney, Eastern Kentucky
Tommy Mellott, Montana State
Justin Miller, Southern Utah
Reese Poffenbarger, UAlbany
Davius Richard, North Carolina Central
Tommy Schuster, North Dakota
Matthew Sluka, Holy Cross

Running Backs
Isaiah Davis, South Dakota State
Ailym Ford, Chattanooga
Narii Gaither, Gardner-Webb
Malik Grant, Sacred Heart
Geno Hess, Southeast Missouri
Jarveon Howard, Alcorn State
Dylan Laube, New Hampshire
ShunDerrick Powell, Central Arkansas
Dominic Roberto, Furman
Jaden Shirden, Monmouth
TaMerik Williams, North Dakota State
Bronson Yoder, William & Mary

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Jalen Coker, Holy Cross
Devron Harper, Mercer
Hayden Hatten, Idaho
Ty James, Mercer
Jaxon Janke, South Dakota State
Marshel Martin, Sacramento State