By: David Beall
FRISCO, Texas – Kennesaw State graduate quarterback
Chandler Burks finished runner-up in the final voting for the STATS FCS Walter Payton Award, the organization announced Friday (Jan. 4) at its annual awards banquet. The award recognizes the top FCS offensive player.
Samford quarterback Devlin Hodges captured the award, while Burks was second and North Dakota State's Easton Stick finished third. Burks had a 2-1 career head-to-head record against Hodges, including a 24-10 victory against Samford earlier this season. Hodges tallied 415 points, while Burks had 342 and Stick had 315.
The FCS' leader in rushing touchdowns with 29 scores, Burks engineered an offense that ranked second in the FCS in rushing yards per game (352) and fourth in scoring offense (43.5 points per game). His 29 TD's on the ground are an FCS single season record by a quarterback.
The back-to-back Big South Offensive Player of the Year, Burks goes down as the only player in conference history to also win the Big South Scholar-Athlete of the Year award in the same season, doing in twice in 2017 and 2018.
Burks was an offensive juggernaut for the Owls, starting in 37 consecutive games at quarterback for the Owls and leading KSU to a 16-2 record at Fifth Third Bank Stadium and back-to-back FCS Playoff quarterfinal appearances.
He garnered Big South Offensive Player of the Week four times in 2018, along with being named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District team and CFPA National Performer of the Year watch list. He holds multiple records in the Big South, as he is the all-time leader in career touchdowns with 56 and the only player in league history with 30 rushing and 30 passing touchdowns.
Burks was indomitable on the ground this season, as he rushed for multiple touchdowns in 10 straight games, which stands as a Big South record. The Owls' signal caller is the first player in the FCS to rush for four or more touchdowns multiple times in the same year since 2016.
The most decorated player in program history, Burks finished his career with 33 passing touchdowns and 725 carries for 3,431 yards. He posted a 31-6 record as the starting quarterback in an Owl uniform.
Burks is the first student-athlete to be named as a Walter Payton finalist in program history.
For more information on Kennesaw State athletics, follow @KennesawStFB on Twitter or like Kennesaw State Football on Facebook and Instagram.
