FRISCO, Texas -- Stats Perform named its top 3 finalists for the FCS National Awards and United Athletic Conference (UAC) Football had a pair of standouts recognized, making it the lone league with multiple selections. Southern Utah's Targhee Lambson and Central Arkansas' David Walker both earned invitations to the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Banquet in Frisco, Texas where the winner of the 2024 Walter Payton Award and Buck Buchanan Award will be announced on January 4, 2025.

Lambson, a record-setting running back at SUU, concluded the regular season as the top rusher in the country with 1,922 yards and ranked second nationally with 23 rushing touchdowns. His historic campaign rewrote the Thunderbirds record books, as he now holds program records for most carries in a season (320), rushing yards (1,922), and total points scored (142). He matched the school record for rushing touchdowns in a single season with 23 and also boasted 100+ yard rushing totals in 11 of 12 games this season.

The other top three finalists for the Walter Payton Award are quarterbacks Tommy Mellott of Montana State and Cam Miller of North Dakota State.

A nearly unstoppable pass rusher during his career, Walker is a three-time Buchanan finalist who finished third in the 2022 voting. Walker broke the school career records for both sacks (31.0) and tackles for loss (60.0) in just three seasons at UCA after transferring from Division II Southern Arkansas. This season he had 69 total tackles, including 23.0 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks, while also forcing four fumbles, recovering one and addind six pass breakups. Walker led the UAC in both tackles for loss and sacks despite facing double teams on nearly every play.

Walker will be joined at the banquet by fellow Buck Buchanan Award top three finalists, defensive lineman Jeremiah Grant of Richmond and Mercer cornerback TJ Moore. 

The Walter Payton Award, now in its 38th year, celebrates offensive excellence at the FCS level and is often regarded as the "Heisman of the FCS." Past winners include legendary NFL players such as Steve McNair, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook, Jimmy Garoppolo, Cooper Kupp, and Trey Lance.

In its 30th anniversary season, the Buck Buchanan Award is named for legendary Grambling State defensive lineman Junious “Buck” Buchanan and annually presented to the top defensive player at the FCS level. Past recipients include Dexter Coakley, Rashean Mathis, Jared Allen and Arthur Moats.