Florida A&M

Xavier Smith Named Walter Payton Award Finalist

11/22/2022 4:50:00 PM

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. | Florida A&M football's Xavier Smith was one of 30 named to the Walter Payton Award finalist list, which goes to the nation's FCS offensive player of the year.

Xavier Smith had a phenomenal season for the Ratters, finishing the season with 87 receptions for 1,021 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns. The 11 touchdowns from Smith ties a single-season career-high as he caught 11 touchdowns in the 2019 season. Smith also threw a 24-yard touchdown in the Florida Classic as he finished the game with five catches for 73 yards and caught a touchdown as he earned the Florida Classic MVP Award.

Smith finished the season ranked nationally in receptions per game (3rd, 7.9), receiving touchdowns (8th, 11), and receiving yards (9th, 1,021). Smith eclipsed the 100-yard mark five times this season, including a season-high 145 receiving yards in the 21-14 win at Alabama State. Smith also caught a touchdown in eight of the 11 games, including a season-high three touchdowns in the 38-25 win versus Alabama A&M.

----

Follow Florida A&M Athletics

For complete coverage of Florida A&M athletics, please follow the Rattlers on social media at @FAMUAthletics (Twitter), FAMUAth (Facebook), and @famuathletics (Instagram).

Print Friendly Version