Football

MEAC Well-Represented Among FCS National Award Finalists



CHICAGO, Ill. -- STATS Perform FCS announced the finalists for the Walter Payton, Buck Buchanan, Jerry Rice and Eddie Robinson Awards on Monday, and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) is represented on each list.

Norfolk State quarterback Juwan Carter is among 25 finalists for the Walter Payton Award, presented to the FCS National Offensive Player of the Year. The MEAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year completed 63.8 percent of his passes this season for 2,511 yards and 21 touchdowns -- while also racking up 390 rushing yards and six scores on the ground. Carter leads the MEAC this season in passing (228.3 yards per game), pass efficiency (149.4) and total offense (263.7 yards per game).

Carter ranks 16th in the nation in pass efficiency and 27th in both total offense and passing yards per game.

South Carolina State's Decobie Durant is a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, given to the FCS National Defensive Player of the Year. Joined by 24 other names, Durant was the MEAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year -- and in 11 games this season, he has 37 tackles (29 solo) to go along with three interceptions and 11 pass breakups. Durant is the MEAC leader (and tied for 12th nationally) in passes defended, and his three picks are tied for second-most in the league.

Sy'Veon Wilkerson of Delaware State is one of 23 finalists for the Jerry Rice Award, given to the top freshman of the year in FCS. In 220 carries this season, he rushed for 848 yards and eight touchdowns. He is second in the MEAC and tied for 39th in the nation in rushing, averaging 77.1 yards per carry

Bulldogs coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough is among 17 finalists for the Eddie Robinson Award, presented to the FCS National Coach of the Year. Pough led the Bulldogs to the MEAC championship this season, with a perfect 5-0 mark in league play, and South Carolina State will be making its first appearance in the Cricket Celebration Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 18.

The Walter Payton and Buck Buchanan Award winners will be announced in Frisco, Texas on Jan. 7 -- the eve of the FCS national championship game.

The Jerry Rice Award winner will be announced on Dec. 13, and the Eddi Robinson Award will be named on Dec. 14.