CHICAGO, Ill. -- On Wednesday, Nov. 6, 16 players were added to the watch list of the 2019 STATS FCS Walter Payton Award, which 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.
 
Villanova junior quarterback Daniel Smith (Leesburg, Va.) was one of the 16 players added to the list. Currently in his first year on the Wildcats roster after transferring from Campbell University, Smith has led the Wildcats to a 6-3 record and a national ranking for nine straight weeks. 
 
After nine games, Smith has completed 165-of-292 for 2,177 yards and 22 touchdowns. He has also rushed 55 times for 219 yards (4.0 avg.) and seven scores. In the latest NCAA statistics, Smith is tied for third in points responsible for with 180.
 
Villanova has had three players win the Walter Payton Award throughout its program history, including wide receiver Brian Finneran (1997), running back Brian Westbrook (2001) and quarterback John Robertson (2014).
 
A national panel of over 150 sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries will select the Payton winner following the regular season. Past recipients include Steve McNair, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook, Jimmy Garoppolo and Cooper Kupp.
 
 
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