Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) – South Carolina State senior Malcolm Long, who set four school passing records last season, is one of 11 quarterbacks named to the 2010 Payton Award Watch List by The Sports Network. The Payton Award is presented annually to the top offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).

Twenty players, including seven finalists from 2009, are on the initial Watch List, which will be revised during the season.

Long's appearance on this year's list marks the third consecutive year an SC State Bulldog has been so honored. Former SC State running back Will Ford, who ended his four-year career as the leading rusher in Bulldog and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference history, appeared on the List in both 2008 and 2009.

Long, 6-3, 240, is expected to be the starting signal caller for SC State a third straight campaign, following a record-setting 2009 season in which he set new standards in completions (209), attempts (324), yards (2502) and completion percentage (64.5).

The Gaffney, SC native was the most dominant quarterback in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, accounting for 25 touchdowns, five of them rushing.

A second-team All-MEAC selection and an All-State performer in 2009, Long is a strong candidate for MEAC Offensive Player of the Year and other postseason honors.

The Initial 2010 Payton Watch List

Malcolm Long, QB, SC State

*Matt Szczur, WR/KR, Villanova

Chris Whitney, QB, Villanova

Ben Ijalana, OT, Villanova

*Jeremy Moses, QB, Stephen F. Austin

*Michael Herrick, QB, Northern Arizona

*Cameron Higgins, QB, Weber State

*Chase Reynolds, RB, Montana

*Pate Devlin, QB, Delaware

*Scott Riddle, QB, Elon

Chris Evans, RB, Sanford

Taiwan Jones, RB, Eastern Washington

Kyle Minett, RB South Dakota State

Devon Moore, RB, Appalachian State

Jonathan Grimes, RB, William & Mary

Tysson Poots, WR, Southern Utah

K.J. Black, QB, Prairie View

Thomas DeMarco, QB, Old Dominion

Andrew Selle, QB Montana

Steve Valentino, QB Dayton

*2009 Finalist

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