CHICAGO – Two players from Missouri Valley Football Conference co-champion South Dakota State have been named as finalists for FCS awards.
Running back Pierre Strong Jr. has been named as one of the 16 finalists for the Walter Payton Award, honoring the top offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision. Strong has averaged over 90 yards a game in the Jackrabbits’ six games this season with two rushing touchdowns and an average of 5.7 yards per carry. He also has 12 receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown. Strong has rushed for at least 90 yards in four of the six SDSU games.
Quarterback Mark Gronowski is a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award, honoring FCS’ top freshman. Gronowski has completed 57 percent of his passes for 1,051 yards and eight touchdowns. He has also rushed for 383 yards and six touchdowns, topping the 100-yard rushing mark in a game three times. Gronowski has averaged 239 yards of total offense per game.
Comments