WILLIAMSBURG— William & Mary All-America left tackle Charles Grant added another impressive honor to his long list of accolades, as he was selected as a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, which is annually presented to the national offensive player of the year in Division I FCS college football.
Grant is one of 35 standouts, and the only offensive lineman, who garnered the distinction this season.
One of the top prospects for this spring’s NFL Draft, Grant recently became the nation’s first player to earn and accept an invitation to play in the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl.
Among the nation’s top-rated tackles in the FCS this season according to PFF, Grant helped W&M’s offense rank fourth nationally in rushing (232.8) and 25th in total offense (413.2).
A consensus preseason All-America selection, Grant was also invited to the East-West Shrine Bowl after allowing just two sacks during the past three seasons.
The four-year starter and two-time first-team All-CAA selection ranked as the conference’s top tackle in pass blocking efficiency last season and allowed just one sack on 334 pass blocking snaps. Additionally, he finished the fall grading out at 92 percent with 40 pancakes en route to helping W&M rank 13th national in rushing (196.9).
His impressive junior campaign followed his breakout sophomore season in which he did not allow any sacks in 13 starts and helped W&M rank third nationally in rushing (265.8) and fourth in fewest sacks allowed per game (0.77).
A national media panel will select the Payton Award winner, which will be announced at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Banquet on Jan. 4 in Frisco, Texas.
The Payton Award, in its 38th season and 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.
