FAMU football standout Xavier Smith has been named a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, which goes to the nation's FCS offensive player of the year.
Smith, a wide receiver for the Rattlers, finished the 2022 season with 87 receptions for 1,021 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. Smith also threw a 24-yard touchdown in the Florida Classic and earned the Florida Classic MVP Award.
Smith finished the season ranked 3rd nationally in receptions per game, 8th in touchdowns (11), receiving touchdowns and 9th in receiving yards ( 1,021).
Smith had five 100-yard games for the Rattlers this year, including a season-high 145 receiving yards in the 21-14 win at Alabama State, and caught a touchdown in eight of the 11 games.