By Curtis Ford, Grambling State Associate AD for Athletic Communications
Grambling State quarterback Myles Crawley has been named to the preseason watch list for the 2024 Stats Perform Walter Payton Award.
Crawley, who was picked as the preseason SWAC Offensive Player of the Year, had a remarkable 2023 season at GSU. The Redshirt-Senior from Lithonia, Ga. threw from 2,303 yards and 16 touchdowns while completing 60.1% of his passes (197-of-328). He was the first Grambling State quarterback to throw for at least 2,000 yards in a season since Devante Kincaid in 2017 and the first GSU QB to throw at least 16 touchdowns since Geremy Hickbottom in 2018.
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.
The Walter Payton Award was first presented in 1987. More players can join the watch list before a national media panel selects the winner after the regular season from a group of finalists.