By Alex Boggis, UT Martin Assistant Sports Information Director
CHICAGO, Ill. – University of Tennessee at Martin quarterback Keon Howard has been named one of 25 finalists for the 2021 Stats Perform FCS Walter Payton Award, which is presented to the national offensive player of the year in college football’s Division I subdivision.
The Payton Award, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary season, is named for the legendary Hall of Fame running back. Past recipients include Steve McNair, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook, Jimmy Garoppolo, Cooper Kupp and Trey Lance.
Hailing from Laurel, Miss., Howard has made an immediate impact after transferring to UT Martin for his final season. Howard has been named Ohio Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Week twice while earning five OVC Newcomer of the Week honors after leading the league in points responsible for (150) and total touchdowns (25). He has completed 154-of-258 passes for 1,811 yards while throwing for 15 touchdowns. Meanwhile on the ground, he has tallied 96 carries for 472 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Howard joins fellow finalists Eric Barriere (Eastern Washington), BJ Byrd (Morehead State), Juwan Carter (Norfolk State), David Cheek (Elon), Jake Chisholm (Dayton), Tim DeMorat (Fordham), Dai’Jean Dixon (Nicholls), Xavier Gipson (Stephen F. Austin), Aqeel Glass (Alabama A&M), Malik Grant (Sacred Heart), Geno Hess (Southeast Missouri), Quay Holmes (ETSU), Tyler Hudson (Central Arkansas), Isaiah Ifanse (Montana State), Cole Johnson (James Madison), Cole Kelley (Southeastern Louisiana), Trevor Penning (Northern Iowa), E.J. Perry (Brown), Eric Schmid (Sam Houston), Jason Shelley (Missouri State), Xavier Shepherd (Kennesaw State), Pierre Strong Jr. (South Dakota State), Cameron Ward (IUW) and Liam Welch (Samford).
A 50-member, national media panel will select the winner, who will be announced on Jan. 7 in Frisco, Texas – the eve of the FCS championship game.
Graphic courtesy of UT Martin Sports Information