Sports Network Release
 
Bronx, N.Y. (October 15, 2013) – Fordham University junior quarterback Mike Nebrich has been added as a candidate for the 27th annual Walter Payton Award, which will be presented by The Sports Network to the outstanding player in the FCS following the regular season. He joins teammate Carlton Koonce who was named to the list prior to the start of the season.
 
Nebrich is enjoying one of the most successful seasons for a Fordham quarterback, completing 190 of 256 passes for 2,166 yards and 17 touchdowns this fall while also rushing for 393 yards and five scores.  He is leading the NCAA FCS in pass completion percentage (74.2%) and is ranked third in passing yards, third in total offense/game (365.5), fourth in passing touchdowns, seventh in passing efficiency (166.42) and eighth in passing yards/game (309.4). Nebrich is also fourth in the NCAA FCS in points responsible for per game (19.1).
 
Nebrich has helped Fordham post its first 7-0 start since 1930. The Rams are currently ranked eighth in the latest Sports Network NCAA FCS poll and the NCAA FCS Coaches poll, the highest ranking ever on the FCS level for the Rams (the previous best was ninth early in the 2003 season).
 
Fordham has also been recognized by the ECAC who rank the Rams first in the initial Lambert Cup poll of 2013.
 
The Payton Award Watch List can undergo revision during the season. Ballots will be sent to a national panel of sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries following the regular season. The top three vote-getters will be invited to The Sports Network FCS Awards Presentation Dec. 16 in Philadelphia.

The Sports Network also presents the Buck Buchanan, Jerry Rice and Eddie Robinson awards. The Buchanan Award honors the outstanding defensive player in the FCS, the Rice Award goes to the FCS freshman of the year and the Robinson Award honors the FCS coach of the year. The winners of those three awards also will be invited to the national banquet.