NORTH ANDOVER, MASS. – Merrimack College junior wide receiver
Donovan Wadley was named to the Walter Payton Award Preseason Watch List on Tuesday morning. Wadley becomes the first player in Merrimack College history to be named to the preseason list. The Jersey native was also named to the FCS Football Central Preseason All-American Second Team earlier this summer.
Stats Perform has announced a 35-player preseason watch list for the 2024 Walter Payton Award, presented annually to the national offensive player of the year in Division I FCS college football. The award, in its 38th season and affectionately known as the Heisman of the FCS, is named for legendary running back Walter Payton, who starred at Jackson State as part of his Hall of Fame career. Past recipients include Steve McNair, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook, Jimmy Garoppolo, Cooper Kupp and Trey Lance.
Wadley was the statistical leader in yards per kick return last season with a 37.9 average. He also took three kickoffs into the end zone during the 2023 season. Primarily a receiver, he caught 26 passes for a total of 471 yards and five touchdowns. Wadley also rushed the ball 34 times for 216 yards, scoring three touchdowns. The Jersey native ranked third in the country in kick return yards last season with 645.
The Warriors open their season at the Air Force Academy on August 31. The game will be televised on CBS Sports Network. Merrimack will play its first home game on September 21 against the University of Maine.
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