EWU's Barriere is Payton Award finalist

CHENEY - After a productive 2020-21 six-game campaign, Eastern Washington University quarterback Eric Barriere is among the 16 finalists for the Stats Perform FCS Walter Payton Award, which is presented to the national offensive player of the year in college football's NCAA Football Championship Subdivision.

Through six games this season, Barriere is ranked in the top 10 in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision in total offense (fourth, 387.3 per game), passing offense (fourth, 364.8), passing touchdowns (third, 18) and points responsible for (11th, 18.3 per game). So far in the 2020-21 season, he's completed 61.9 percent of his passes for 2,189 yards, 18 touchdowns and 2,324 total yards of offense.

A 40-member national media panel will select the winner from the unprecedented 2020-21 season, which has spanned the fall and spring semesters. The recipient will be announced on May 15. 

"He's been phenomenal," Eastern head coach Aaron Best said. "His play-making ability, ability to escape rush and ability to extend plays has been second-to-none. And we've had a first-hand glimpse of some great ones here. But Eric's development has been thorough and consistent."

The Payton Award, named for the legendary running back and in its 34th season, has served as a stepping-stone for such NFL players as Steve McNair, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook, Jimmy Garoppolo and former Eagle Cooper Kupp. Kupp was EWU's latest recipient in 2015, with other former Eagles honored including Erik Meyer (2005) and Bo Levi Mitchell (2011).