Six HBCU Players Named To Walter Payton and Buck Buchanan Watchlists
Football season is only a month away, and the watchlists have been announced for the FCS Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year awards. Each list, named after HBCU legends and NFL Hall of Famers Walter Payton and Buck Buchanan, includes 35 players.
The two awards have six players from historically Black colleges, two on offense and four on defense. It might be light on the offensive side of the ball, but the two candidates are legitimate threats to capture the award.
Walter Payton Award Watchlist
Davius Richard, QB, North Carolina Central
The senior quarterback is the reigning MEAC Offensive Player of the Year and champion of the Celebration Bowl. Richard had a record-setting season in 2022, producing 3,449 yards of total offense (most in a single season at NCCU), 199 completed passes, and a 64% completion percentage.
Additionally, Richard was a finalist in 2022, where the award was given to UIW quarterback Lindsey Scott Jr.
Jarveon Howard, RB, Alcorn State
In his first season for the Braves, Howard led the FCS with 253 carries and was 11th with 1,273 rushing yards.
Expect the workload to decrease as Alcorn looks to address the quarterback situation and improve its passing game. If that comes to fruition, however, teams won't be able to load the box against Howard, creating more opportunities for him in his second season for the Braves.
Buck Buchanan Award Watchlist
Khalil Baker, DB, North Carolina Central
The senior defensive back is FCS All-American and reigning MEAC Defensive Player of the Year from North Carolina Central. Baker was a finalist for the Buchanan in 2022, recording four interceptions and a team-high 61 tackles. He is the only returning finalist among the defensive backs.
Colton Adams, LB, Alabama State
Colton Adams is the only HBCU linebacker on the watchlists after leading Alabama State and the SWAC with 128 tackles. He also recorded two sacks last season.
It'll be a challenge on multiple fronts for Adams in 2023; he'll still produce without fellow linebacker Irshaad Davis, but Adams will garner most of the attention. Also, there are seven linebackers who've been finalists between 2020 and 2022.
Patrick Godbolt, DL, South Carolina State
Godbolt is one of two HBCU players on the defensive line to make the watchlist. The senior Bulldog is projected to be an All-MEAC First-Team selection for a second straight year after racking up 45 tackles and 4.5 sacks for Buddy Pough and the Bulldogs.
Sundiata Anderson, DL, Grambling State
Anderson is the Preseason SWAC Defensive Player of the Year after being a Second Team selection in 2022. The 6-foot-5 defensive lineman also has some early traction as an NFL prospect, especially among FCS prospects.