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Walter Payton Award Finalists
The three finalists for the Walter Payton Trophy award were announced this week. The final three candidates for the 2009 Walter Payton Award are QB Armanti Edwards of Appalachian St, WR Terrell Hudgins of Elon and running back Deji Karim of Southern Illinois. Edwards won the award as a junior last season and is a strong candidate to repeat as a senior. He would be the first two time winner of this prestigious award named after the late great Walter Payton. Payton was a college and NFL Hall of Fame runner for Jackson St before moving on to the Chicago Bears where he made a huge impact both on the field and in the community. The three Payton finalists will attend the ceremony in Chattanooga, Tenn on Dec 16th for all the FCS awards including the Eddie Robinson and Buckanan Awards. All three players are seniors and from the offensive side of the ball.
Photo – Walter Payton - Hall of Fame College and NFL running back
Walter Payton Finalists
QB Armanti Edwards of Appalachian St
WR Terrell Hudgins of Elon
RB Deji Karim of Southern Illinois.
Armanti Edwards became the first player in NCAA Division I history (FCS or FBS) to pass for 9,000 yards and rush for 4,000 yards in a career with a 461-yard effort in Appalachian’s 52-27 win at Furman on Oct. 31. In the previous week’s 52-16 win over Georgia Southern, he became the first FCS player to amass 8,000 passing yards and 4,000 rushing yards. He became the first starting QB in the 77-year history of the SoCon to lead his team to four league championships.
Hudgins concluded his career with the Phoenix as the holder of 10 FCS records, including nine set during the 2009 season. Four of the records were held by the legendary Jerry Rice who played at Mississippi Valley St from 1981-84. Hudgins also holds numerous Elon and SoCon marks.
Voting for the award was conducted prior to the playoffs by a panel of FCS sports information directors, writers, broadcasters and other football experts. The three finalists are invited to the 23rd annual Awards banquet on December 17 in Chattanooga, Tenn., the night prior to the NCAA Division I championship game. The Buck Buchanan Award (top FCS defensive player) and Eddie Robinson Award (top FCS coach) will also be presented that night.