By: By Jake Dorow
OFFICIAL RELEASE
KENNESAW, Ga. – Junior QB
Chandler Burks has been one of five players nominated to the STATS FCS Walter Payton Award Watch List for the National Offensive Player of the Year Award, announced Tuesday afternoon. A list of 25 finalists from the watch list will be announced in several weeks.
"It's an honor to see Chandler recognized on the STATS FCS Walter Payton Award Watch List," said head coach
Brian Bohannon. "He has played a vital role for us this season on and off the field, helping Kennesaw State reach new heights in just its third year."
Burks, a Douglasville, Ga., native, recently garnered his third Big South Offensive Player of the Week award after directing the Owls to a 16-14 victory at Montana State to earn their program-best eighth straight win. He rushed for a career-high 34 times, totaling 149 yards on the ground to help the nation's top rushing team (331.2 ypg) run past the Bobcats in Bozeman.
Burks currently leads the team with 755 rushing yards and 169 carries, 825 passing yards and 16 (11 rush, five pass) touchdowns. He ranks first in the Big South in scoring (66 points), rushing attempts (169) and rushing touchdowns (11).
The Walter Payton Award, which has been presented since 1987, has past winners such as Steve McNair, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook, John Friesz, Brian Finneran, Jimmy Garoppolo and Cooper Kupp, who have all moved on to the NFL.
A national panel of over 150 sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries will vote on 25 finalists following the regular season.
Also this season, STATS will present the Buck Buchanan Award (FCS defensive player of the year), Jerry Rice Award (FCS freshman player of the year), Eddie Robinson Award (FCS coach of the year) and Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
Fifth Third Bank is the Official Bank of Kennesaw State Athletics. Fifth Third Bank Stadium, the signature athletics landmark on the Kennesaw State University campus, is a world-class facility that has been recognized as one of the premier multi-use outdoor athletics venues in the country. In the fall of 2015, it become the official home of Owls football team and is home to Owls soccer and lacrosse as well.
Keep up with Kennesaw State Athletics by following KSU on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and or by liking Kennesaw State Owls on Facebook. You also can follow Kennesaw State football at @KennesawSTFB and The Owls fund on Twitter at @TheOwlsFund.
--#GoKSUOwls--
