The preseason honors continue to roll in for Western Carolina quarterback Taron Dickens and Davidson running back Mari Adams.
Both North Carolina college football standouts were named to the 30-player watch list for the 2025 Walter Payton Award. The honor, in its 39th year, recognizes the national offensive player of the year in Division I FCS football. It is affectionately known as the “Heisman of the FCS” with players like Cooper Kupp, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook and Steve McNair among past recipients.
Adams, a senior from Shelby (Crest HS), was a Walter Payton finalist a year ago after rushing for 1,231 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Dickens, who took over starting quarterback duties late last season in Cullowhee, appears for the first time. The Miami native (Northwestern HS) completed nearly 74 percent of his passes for 1,500+ yards and 12 TDs in seven game appearances in 2024. Dickens finished 15th in the balloting for the 2024 Jerry Rice Award, given to the top FCS freshman.
Both Adams and Dickens have been named preseason FCS All-Americans by Stats Perform. Adams also made the Lindy’s Sports Preseason All-FCS Team.
Adams learned Tuesday he has been named preseason all-conference in the Pioneer Football League. Dickens was voted preseason offensive player of the year in the Southern Conference, one of 11 Catamounts recognized with preseason league honors.
Montana State’s Tommy Mellott won the 2024 Walter Payton Award.
2025 Walter Payton Award Preseason Watch List
Quarterbacks
- Aidan Bouman, South Dakota, R-Sr., 6-5, 225 (Missouri Valley Football Conference)
- Jaden Craig, Harvard, Sr., 6-2, 215 (Ivy League) – 2024 Finalist
- Quincy Crittendon, Samford, Sr., 5-11, 200 (Southern Conference)
- Taron Dickens, Western Carolina, R-So., 5-11, 180 (Southern Conference)
- Victor Gabalis, Tarleton State, Sr., 6-3, 210 (United Athletic Conference)
- Ethan Greenwood, LIU, R-Jr., 6-0, 193 (Northeast Conference)
- JaCobian Morgan, Jackson State, Grad, 6-4, 227 (Southwestern Athletic Conference)
- Derek Robertson, Monmouth, R-Sr., 6-2, 200 (CAA Football) – 2024 Finalist
- Ralph Rucker IV, Bucknell, Fifth Year, 6-0, 210 (Patriot League) – 2024 Finalist
- Sam Vidlak, Stephen F. Austin, Sr., 6-1, 207 (Southland Conference) – 2024 Finalist
Running Backs
- Mari Adams, Davidson, Sr., 5-11, 210 (Pioneer Football League) – 2024 Finalist
- David Avit, Villanova, So., 6-0, 220 (CAA Football)
- Jamar Curtis, Sacramento State, Sr., 5-8, 169 (Big Sky Conference) – 2023 and 2024 Finalist
- Roland Dempster, Stony Brook, R-Sr., 6-0, 225 (CAA Football) – 2024 Finalist
- Eli Gillman, Montana, R-Jr., 6-0, 208 (Big Sky Conference)
- Steve Hall, Lindenwood, So., 5-9, 195 (OVC-Big South Football Association)
- Elijah Howard, Central Connecticut State, Sr., 5-11, 176 (Northeast Conference) – 2024 Finalist
- Adam Jones, Montana State, R-So., 6-1, 200 (Big Sky Conference)
- Kevon King, Norfolk State, Sr., 5-11, 200 (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference)
- Julius Loughridge, South Dakota State, Sr., 6-0, 215 (Missouri Valley Football Conference)
- Charles Pierre Jr., South Dakota, R-Jr., 5-10, 205 (Missouri Valley Football Conference)
- Travis Terrell, Jackson State, So., 5-8, 165 (Southwestern Athletic Conference)
- Wenkers Wright, Illinois State, Sr., 6-1, 205 (Missouri Valley Football Conference)
Wide Receivers
- Marquis Buchanan, Rhode Island, R-So., 6-4, 175 (CAA Football)
- Kylon Harris, Stephen F. Austin, Sr., 5-11, 160 (Southland Conference)
- Bryce Lance, North Dakota State, R-Sr., 6-3, 209 (Missouri Valley Football Conference)
- Samuel Musungu, Cornell, Jr., 6-1, 192 (Ivy League)
- Treyvhon Saunders, Colgate, Sr., 5-10, 190 (Patriot League)
- Daniel Sobkowicz, Illinois State, Sr., 6-3, 205 (Missouri Valley Football Conference)
- Jalen Walthall, UIW, R-Sr., 6-2, 180 (Southland Conference) – 2024 Finalist
