TOWSON, Md. – Towson University quarterback Tom Flacco has been announced as a finalist for the 2019 Walter Payton Award, the honor given to the top offensive player in FCS.
 
This is the second straight season where Flacco has been a finalist for this award, the first Towson Tiger to be a finalist in two different seasons.  He finished fifth in the final voting last year.  He was also a preseason watch list member in 2019.
 
Flacco is one of 26 finalists across the country for the award, chosen by STATS.  A national panel of over 150 sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries will select the winner.
 
In Towson history, five different players have been finalists for the award, with David Meggett winning in 1988.  Flacco is the second player to be a finalist under head coach Rob Ambrose along with Terrance West, who finished third in the voting in 2013.  Joe Lee was a finalist in 1999 while Tony Vinson earned finalist recognition, finishing third, in 1993.
 
Flacco stands second in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), and 27^th in FCS, in total offense with 262.9 yards per game.  The senior was 60.4% on his passes this year, including 215 completions, racking up 2,831 yards and 22 touchdowns with just six interceptions.  He also added 324 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.  Before the year began, he was selected as the CAA Preseason Offensive Player of the Year.
 
This year, Flacco had at least 15 completions in every contest and at least one passing touchdown in 11 of 12 games.  He also had at least 200 yards of total offense in all games against FCS opponents.
 
The 33^rd Walter Payton Award will be announced at the STATS FCS Awards Banquet and Presentation on Jan. 10^th in Frisco, Texas.
 
- TowsonTigers.com –