Johnson Named To Walter Payton Watch List
9/30/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
NACOGDOCHES – Stephen F. Austin senior running back Gus Johnson has been added to the 2014 Walter Payton Award Watch List, announced today by The Sports Network. Johnson is looking to follow in the footsteps of his current position coach, Jeremy Moses, who captured the 2010 Walter Payton Award.
2014 Walter Payton Award Watch List
Johnson has been a key component of the Lumberjacks’ 3-1 start to the season, rushing for 492 yards on 58 carries with nine touchdowns so far in 2014. He currently ranks first nationally in touchdowns, third in scoring (13.5 ppg), fourth in yards per carry (8.5) and 14th in rushing yards per game (123.0).
The Gilmer native continues to etch his name in the SFA record book, sitting fifth all-time with 2,716 rushing yards and is 284 shy of becoming just the third 3,000-yard rusher in program history. Earlier this season, Johnson became SFA’s all-time career rushing touchdown leader and currently sits second in Lumberjack history with 38 career scores, one shy of former teammate Cordell Roberson’s (2009-12) 39.
Johnson is one of three running backs added to the list, joining Alabama State’s Malcolm Cyrus and Saint Francis (Pa.)’s Khairi Dickson. With the inclusion of Johnson, there are now a pair of Southland Conference players on the Watch List with Southeastern Louisiana quarterback Bryan Bennett named to the list prior to the season.
The Walter Payton Award is given each year to the top collegiate football player at the FCS level. Ballots will be sent to a national panel of over 150 sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries following the regular season. The top three vote-getters will be invited to the presentation of the award.
Johnson and the rest of the Lumberjacks open Southland Conference play this weekend hosting Central Arkansas as head coach Clint Conque goes head-to-head against his former team. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN3.com, kicking off at 6:04 p.m. at Homer Bryce Stadium.
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