Aaron Winchester Named Walter Payton Award Finalist
Senior quarterback leads CCSU in passing and rushing this season
Senior quarterback Aaron Winchester was named a 2019 STATS FCS Walter Payton Award finalist on Monday. The award is named for the legendary Hall of Fame running back and since 1987 has honored the offensive player of the year in college football's Division I subdivision. Winchester is the fourth Blue Devil to appear on the list, joining three former running backs (Justise Hairston, James Mallory and Rob Hollomon).
The Blue Devils are currently 11-1 and are one of just three FCS teams in the nation to remain undefeated vs. FCS teams this season. The 11 wins is a school-record and the Blue Devils are making their second appearance in the FCS Playoffs in the last three years. They are one of just three teams in the country with 11 or more wins this season.
The Blue Devils have won eight straight games heading into Saturday's playoff game at the University at Albany. The Blue Devils and Great Danes will play in Albany on Saturday at 1 p.m. on ESPN3.
Winchester is among the national leaders in completion percentage (12, 65.3%), passing efficiency (4th, 170.7), passing yards per completion (5th, 15.14) and passing yards per attempt (2nd, 9.89).
On the year he is 160-245 for 2,422 yards, 19 touchdowns and four interceptions. He is also the leading rusher on the team with 782 rushing yards on 148 carries, good for 5.3 yards per rush, and eight touchdowns. The Blue Devils are averaging 35.5 points per game, the 15th highest total in the country.