SAN ANTONIO – University of the Incarnate Word receiver Brandon Porter earned a spot as one of 30 finalists for the Walter Payton Award, presented by FedEx Ground.
 
The award, first presented in 1987 and in its 37th 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. The winner, to be selected by a national voting panel, will be announced at the FCS National Awards Banquet on Jan. 6 in Frisco, Texas – the eve of the FCS championship game.
 
Porter had a standout final season with the Cardinals, accumulating 1,072 yards (No. 2 in the nation) and seven touchdowns. He finished No. 2 in the nation for receiving yards per game with 107.2 while sitting at No. 9 for receptions per contest. Porter is second in the Southland Conference for all-purpose yards, while sitting in first place for receptions per game and receiving yards per game. He was named to the 2023 Southland Preseason All-Conference Team, the Phil Steele Preseason All-Southland Team, the Bluebloods Preseason All-Southland Team, Southland Offensive Player of the Week (2x), FCS Honorable Mention Player of the Week, and First Team Offense Phil Steele Midseason All American Team.
 
FCS Football 2023 Walter Payton Award Finalists | The Analyst
 
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