Chicago, Ill. – Elon University senior quarterback Davis Cheek has been named one of 25 finalists for the 2021 Stats Perform FCS Walter Payton Award, presented annually to the nation's offensive player of the year in college football's Division I subdivision.
 
The Payton Award, which is celebrating its 35^th season, is named for the legendary Hall of Fame running back. Past recipients include Steve McNair, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook, Jimmy Garoppolo, Cooper Kupp and Trey Lance. Cheek is Elon's first finalist for the Walter Payton Award in nine years, since Aaron Mellette earned the honor in 2012. 
 
Cheek is one of just two student-athletes from CAA Football named a finalist, joining James Madison quarterback Cole Johnson. Cheek went 253-of-397 passing in 2021 for a 63.7 completion percentage. He had 17 touchdowns to just five interceptions, leading Elon to a third place finish in the CAA. Elon went 6-5 overall and defeated a pair of ranked opponents during the season.
 
Cheek never threw more than one interception in a game and was named the National Offensive Player of the Week after going 27-of-31 for 328 yards and three total touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) in a win over New Hampshire. He was also 36-of-54 for 384 yards and three touchdowns against William & Mary.
 
In total, Cheek had four games in which he threw for at least 300 yards and had four games in which he was responsible for at least three touchdowns. In a win at Maine, he was 29-of-37 for 332 yards and four total touchdowns (three passing and one rushing).
 
He led Elon to wins over two ranked teams, beginning with a 20-7 victory at then-No. 22/21 Richmond where he was 18-of-30 for 197 yards and a passing touchdown. He closed the season by leading Elon to a 43-28 win over No. 25 Rhode Island, finishing 23-of-32 for 285 yards and a passing TD.
 
A 50-member, national media panel will select the winner, who will be announced Jan. 7 in Frisco, Texas on the eve of the FCS championship game.