Two HBCU Football Players Land On 2024 Walter Payton Award Watch List

The MEAC and SWAC will have representatives on the prestigious award named after an HBCU great!
Dec 16, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Howard Bison running back Jarett Hunter (2) reacts after a touchdown against the Florida A&M Rattlers in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 16, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Howard Bison running back Jarett Hunter (2) reacts after a touchdown against the Florida A&M Rattlers in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Two HBCU football players earned spots on the 2024 Walter Payton Award Preseason Watch List from Stats Perform.

HBCU Players On Walter Payton Award Watch List

1. QB Myles Crawley, Grambling State, R-Sr., 6-3, 185 (Southwestern Athletic Conference)

Myles Crawley
Myles Crawley / GSU Athletics

2. RB Jarett Hunter, Howard, Grad, 5-10, 205 (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference)

Jarett Hunter
Dec 16, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Howard Bison running back Jarett Hunter (2) scores a touchdown against the Florida A&M Rattlers in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

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The SWAC's coaches and SIDs voted him the 2024 SWAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. The 6-4 signal-caller guided Grambling State, passing for 2,303 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. At SWAC Media Day, new head coach Mickey Joseph stated Crawley is still competing to be the Tigers' starting quarterback.

The Howard Bison running back, Jarett Hunter, rushed 142 times for 626 yards, scored nine rushing touchdowns, and had two receiving scores in 2023. For his outstanding performance, MEAC coaches and SIDs selected Hunter as the 2024 MEAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. He also received First Team All-MEAC Offense recognition.

The FCS voters have honored an outstanding player with the Walter Payton Award since 1987.  

READ MORE: HBCU Football Stars Named To 2024 Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-American Teams

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Kyle T. Mosley

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: