(AP) – South Dakota State quarterback Mark Gronowski and Monmouth running back Jaden Shirden, both finalists for the Walter Payton Award given to the most outstanding player in the Championship Subdivision, were selected to the Associated Press FCS All-America team announced Tuesday.
Gronowski is trying to lead the Jackrabbits to their second straight national championship. He leads the nation in passing efficiency rating at 178.06, with 25 touchdown passes. Shirden is the nation’s leading rusher with 1,478 yards.
Gronowski is one of four South Dakota State players selected to the first team, along with running back Isaiah Davis and offensive linemen Garret Greenfield and Mason McCormick.
The Jackrabbits host Albany on Friday night in the FCS semifinals. The Great Danes have two first-team All-Americans on their defense in lineman Anton Juncaj and linebacker Dylan Kelly.
Second-team quarterback Max Brosmer of New Hampshire is the third finalist for the Payton Award, which will be presented Jan. 6, the day before the FCS national championship game.
North Dakota State plays at Montana on Saturday in the other FCS semifinal.
The All-America team is selected for AP by a panel of sports writers and sports information directors who cover FCS.
SDSU and USD selections
FIRST TEAM (offense)
Quarterback — Mark Gronowski, fourth-year, South Dakota State
Running back — Isaiah Davis, fourth-year, South Dakota State
Offensive linemen — Garret Greenfield, sixth-year, South Dakota State; Mason McCormick, sixth-year, South Dakota State
FIRST TEAM (defense)
Linebacker — Brock Mogensen, sixth-year, South Dakota
THIRD TEAM (defense)
Lineman — Brendan Webb, sixth-year, South Dakota
Defensive back — Myles Harden, fourth-year, South Dakota
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