DURHAM, N.C. -- Stats Perform has announced North Carolina Central University junior quarterback Davius Richard as one of 30 FCS finalists for the 2022 Walter Payton Award, which is annually presented to the national offensive player of the year in college football's Division I subdivision.

Richard (6-3, 215, Belle Glade, Fla.) ranks fifth in the nation (FCS) in points responsible for with 20.4 points per game, and 12th in total offense with 288.8 yards per game. The seven-time MEAC Offensive Player of the Week leads the conference in passing yards (2,486), passing touchdowns (24), and rushing touchdowns (13).

The Payton Award, which was first presented in 1987 and in its 36th season, is named for legendary running back Walter Payton, who starred at Jackson State as part of his Hall of Fame career. Affectionately known as the Heisman of the FCS, its past recipients include Steve McNair, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook, Jimmy Garoppolo, Cooper Kupp and Trey Lance.