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Cole Johnson Added to Walter Payton Award Watch List
11/10/2021 12:00:00 PM | Football
CHICAGO – James Madison quarterback Cole Johnson has been added to the watch list for the 2021 Stats Perform FCS Walter Payton Award, which honors the nation's top offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision.
In his second year as a starter, Johnson is 188-of-275 for 2,256 passing yards and 25 touchdowns with just two interceptions. He's also rushed for 155 yards and four scores in his nine starts.
Johnson is top 10 nationally in four separate statistical categories, including third in both completion percentage (68.4%) and pass efficiency rating (165.8). He's seventh in passing touchdowns (25) and eighth in point responsibility per game (19.3).
He's also top 25 in three other areas, which includes 16th in yards per pass attempt (8.2), 21st in passing yards per game (250.7) and 23rd in total offense per game (267.9).
Johnson has a pair of 300-yard passing games this season, with a season-high 379 against Maine. He's also thrown for four or more touchdowns in four outings this year, including his JMU-record six on Oct. 30 against Elon.
The addition of Johnson and 10 other standouts brings the current watch list to 46 FCS players.
The Payton Award, celebrating its 35th anniversary season, is named for the legendary Hall of Fame running back. Past recipients include Steve McNair, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook, Jimmy Garoppolo, Cooper Kupp and Trey Lance. A national media panel will select the winner following the regular season.
In his second year as a starter, Johnson is 188-of-275 for 2,256 passing yards and 25 touchdowns with just two interceptions. He's also rushed for 155 yards and four scores in his nine starts.
Johnson is top 10 nationally in four separate statistical categories, including third in both completion percentage (68.4%) and pass efficiency rating (165.8). He's seventh in passing touchdowns (25) and eighth in point responsibility per game (19.3).
He's also top 25 in three other areas, which includes 16th in yards per pass attempt (8.2), 21st in passing yards per game (250.7) and 23rd in total offense per game (267.9).
Johnson has a pair of 300-yard passing games this season, with a season-high 379 against Maine. He's also thrown for four or more touchdowns in four outings this year, including his JMU-record six on Oct. 30 against Elon.
The addition of Johnson and 10 other standouts brings the current watch list to 46 FCS players.
The Payton Award, celebrating its 35th anniversary season, is named for the legendary Hall of Fame running back. Past recipients include Steve McNair, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook, Jimmy Garoppolo, Cooper Kupp and Trey Lance. A national media panel will select the winner following the regular season.
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