James Madison quarterback Cole Johnson was named a finalist for the 2021 Stats Perform FCS Walter Payton Award on Monday, which is presented annually to the national offensive player of the year in college football’s Division I subdivision.
The Virginia Beach native finished the regular season 233-of-342 for 2,953 yards and 32 touchdowns with just two interceptions. He added 184 rushing yards with a team-high five rushing touchdowns.
Johnson led the CAA in passing yards per game (268.5), passing touchdowns (32), completion percentage (68.1%), total offense (285.18) and pass efficiency rating (170.37). On the national scene, he was third in efficiency, fourth in completion percentage and sixth in passing touchdowns.
Johnson was one of 25 student-athletes selected as a finalist.
A 50-member, national media panel will select the winner, who will be announced on Jan. 7 in Frisco, Texas – the eve of the FCS championship game.
2021 Walter Payton Award Finalists:
Eric Barriere, QB, Eastern Washington
BJ Byrd, WR, Morehead State
Juwan Carter, QB, Norfolk State
Davis Cheek, QB, Elon
Jake Chisholm, RB, Dayton
Tim DeMorat, QB, Fordham
Dai’Jean Dixon, WR, Nicholls
Xavier Gipson, WR, Stephen F. Austin
Aqeel Glass, QB, Alabama A&M
Malik Grant, RB, Sacred Heart
Geno Hess, RB, Southeast Missouri
Quay Holmes, RB, ETSU
Keon Howard, QB, UT Martin
Tyler Hudson, WR, Central Arkansas
Isaiah Ifanse, RB, Montana State
Cole Johnson, QB, James Madison
Cole Kelley, QB, Southeastern Louisiana
Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
E.J. Perry, QB, Brown
Eric Schmid, QB, Sam Houston
Jason Shelley, QB, Missouri State
Xavier Shepherd, QB, Kennesaw State
Pierre Strong Jr., RB, South Dakota State
Cameron Ward, QB, UIW
Liam Welch, QB, Samford
