STRONG NAMED TO PAYTON WATCH LIST

Calendar

Upcoming Event: Football versus Stetson on August 29, 2026 at 6 p.m.
/
6 p.m.
Football
vs Stetson
Brookings, S.D.
Upcoming Event: Football at Northwestern on September 5, 2026 at TBA
/
TBA
Football
at Northwestern
Evanston, Ill.
Upcoming Event: Football versus New Haven on September 12, 2026 at 6 p.m.
/
6 p.m.
Football
vs New Haven
Brookings, S.D.
Upcoming Event: Football versus Youngstown State on September 19, 2026 at 6 p.m.
/
6 p.m.
Football
vs Youngstown State
Brookings, S.D.
Upcoming Event: Football versus Eastern Illinois on September 26, 2026 at 6 p.m.
/
6 p.m.
Football
vs Eastern Illinois
Brookings, S.D.
Upcoming Event: Football at Illinois State on October 3, 2026 at TBA
/
TBA
Football
at Illinois State
Normal, Ill.

Composite Calendar

BROOKINGS, SD - SEPTEMBER 14: xxxxxxx (Photo by Dave Eggen/Inertia)

Photo by: Dave Eggen/Inertia Sports Media

8/5/2021 4:16:00 PM | Football

2021 Walter Payton Award Watch List

CHICAGO — South Dakota State running back Pierre Strong, Jr., has been named to the initial watch list for the 2021 Stats Perform Walter Payton Award, which is given annually to the top offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision.

A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, Strong tied for eighth in the balloting for the Payton Award during an abbreviated 2020-21 season. He gained 707 yards in nine games and averaged 5.4 yards per carry with three rushing touchdowns. Strong also ranked third on the squad with 20 receptions for 178 yards and a touchdown.

Strong posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2018 and 2019, and enters this fall eighth on the Jackrabbits' career rushing charts with 2,841 yards.

The Walter Payton Award watch list will be updated periodically throughout the 2021 season. A media panel will select the recipient, who will be announced prior to the FCS national championship game in January.

-GoJacks.com-