The following local players were named to the the Walter Payton Award Watch List. The award is the FCS version of the Heisman Trophy.

Holy Cross quarterback Matthew Sluka was finalist last year and Sacred Heart’s Malik Grant was a finalist in 2021.

Here is the complete list of local players on this year’s watch list. 

Zevi Eckhaus, Bryant, Jr., 6-1, 205 (Big South-OVC Football Association)

Nolan Grooms, Yale, Sr., 6-2, 188 (Ivy League)

Matthew Sluka, Holy Cross, Sr., 6-3, 215 (Patriot League) – 2022 Finalist

Malik Grant, Sacred Heart, Gr., 5-9, 200 (Northeast Conference) – 2021 Finalist

Dylan Laube, New Hampshire, Sr., 5-10, 204 (CAA Football)

Jalen Coker, Holy Cross, Sr., 6-3, 207 (Patriot League)