SAN ANTONIO – The University of the Incarnate Word quarterback, Zach Calzada, was named to the 2023 Walter Payton Award Preseason Watch List.  
 
This marks the third consecutive season a Cardinal quarterback is in the running for the accolade. In 2022, Lindsey Scott Jr. took home the award and in 2021 Cameron Ward was named to the preseason watch list. 
 
The Walter Payton Award, which is presented by FedEx Ground, is given each year to the most outstanding offensive player in FCS football. 35 players were put on the watch list heading into the 2023 season, and Calzada was one of 17 quarterbacks.  
 
The 6-foot-4 217-pound grad transfer has been with the Cardinals since the spring. Before arriving at UIW, Calzada gained experience playing at a high-level with Texas A&M and Auburn. In his last season at A&M, he played 12 games with 10 starts, threw for over 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns, and even earned SEC offensive player of the week along the way.  
 
The full list of the standouts on the watch list can be found here.
 
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