2013 The Sports Network Walter Payton Award Watch List release

Fordham University senior running back Carlton Koonce has been named to the 2013 Walter Payton Award Watch List it was announced by The Sports Network on Monday. He is one of only two Patriot League players named to the team, joining Colgate quarterback Gavin McCarney, who was a finalist for the award last year.

The accolade is the fourth preseason award for Koonce, who was also named to the CFPA Running Back Watch List and a preseason All-American by both Beyond Sports Network and The Sports Network.

Eleven finalists from last year's race - and a 12th from 2011 - are among the initial 20 nominees named Monday for the 27th annual award, which will be presented by The Sports Network to the outstanding player in the FCS on Dec. 16.

Koonce, who earned First Team All-Patriot League honors in 2012, rushed 300 times for 1,596 yards, breaking the Fordham single season school rushing mark of 1,477 yards set by Kirwin Watson in 2003. He also led the Rams with 13 rushing touchdowns and was second on the team with 48 receptions for 313 yards and two scores.

Koonce led the Patriot League and was fourth in the NCAA FCS in rushing yards/game (145.1) and had two 200-yard games in 2012, including a 250-yard contest at Columbia where he tied a Patriot League record with a 92-yard touchdown run. Koonce also led the Patriot League and was sixth in the NCAA FCS in all-purpose yards/game, averaging 173.6/contest.