SBU Sports: Roland Dempster named finalist for Walter Payton Award

Stony Brook football running back Roland Dempster has been nominated for the 2024 Walter Payton Award, known as the “Heisman of the FCS.” Stats Perform announced Dempster as one of 35 finalists for the award, which recognizes the national offensive player of the year in Division I FCS college football.

Dempster becomes only the second player in Stony Brook program history to receive this honor. Miguel Maysonet, a standout in the 2012 season, finished as the runner-up that year. Dempster is also one of just two Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) players nominated in 2024, joining Monmouth quarterback Derek Robertson.

The redshirt senior delivered a record-breaking season in 2024, leading Stony Brook in rushing yards (1,332), rushing attempts (268), rushing yards per game (111.0), and all-purpose yards per game (138.9). He also set personal bests in receiving yards (335), receptions (32), and yards per catch (10.5) while starting every game.

Dempster consistently showcased his dominance throughout the season, surpassing 100 rushing yards in seven games and 100 all-purpose yards in nine of 11 games. He eclipsed 200 all-purpose yards in three contests and tallied seven multi-touchdown games, including three games with three rushing touchdowns. This feat made him the first Stony Brook player since Miguel Maysonet in 2011 to achieve three or more games with three rushing touchdowns.

Nationally, Dempster finished third in the FCS and second in the CAA in total touchdowns. He led the CAA and ranked in the FCS top six for total rushing yards and rushing yards per game and ninth in all-purpose yards per game. His 2024 performance also earned him the fourth spot in the FCS for total touchdowns.

In Stony Brook’s program history, Dempster now ranks fourth for most rushing yards and second for most rushing touchdowns in a season by a running back. He also recorded the third-most touchdowns in a single season in program history.

Dempster’s accomplishments include being named the first player in program history to earn the FCS National Offensive Player of the Week honor, awarded on Sept. 30. He also received CAA Offensive Player of the Week accolades on Sept. 9 and Sept. 23.

The Walter Payton Award, in its 38th season, is named after legendary running back Walter Payton, who starred at Jackson State during his Hall of Fame career. Previous winners of the award include notable players such as Steve McNair, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook, Jimmy Garoppolo, Cooper Kupp, and Trey Lance.

All 13 FCS conferences are represented among the finalists for the award. The winner, selected by a national voting panel, will be announced at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Banquet on Jan. 4 in Frisco, Texas.