The Walter Payton Award nominees

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First presented in 2008, the Walter Payton Achievement Award is an honor given annually to a player from each school participating in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney.

The award is named in honor of the late Chicago Bears running back, Walter Payton, who attended Jackson State University, a SWAC school, in the 1970s before amassing a Hall of Fame career with the Bears.

Three nominees from each school -- Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference's Bethune-Cookman (Daytona Beach, Fla.,) and Southwestern Athletic Conference's Prairie View A&M (Prairie View, Texas) were selected by a committee consisting of academic advisers and coaches.

Winners -- one player from each school -- will be determined via online fan voting before the Sept. 4 game. Voting opens on July 27 and ends on Aug. 24, with the winners announced on Friday, Sept. 2.

Here are the nominees from each school:

Bethune-Cookman nominees

Natiel Curry, C
Hometown: Miami
Major: Business Administration
Class: Senior

Curry keyed an offensive line that helped the Wildcats finish first in the MEAC in rushing offense (13th nationally) and total offense (12th nationally in FCS). B-CU was also first in the MEAC in scoring offense, and second nationally with 38.1 PPG. Curry, named to the 2010 FCS All-America third team by the Associated Press, had been mentioned as a first-team All-American in several preseason publications. His blocking skills have made him an NFL prospect. "It's good to see linemen get noticed like this," said Wildcats coach Brian Jenkins. "I'm looking forward to Natiel continuing to play on a high level."

Nesly Marcellon, DB
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Major: Business Administration
Class: Sophomore

Knee surgery sidelined Marcellon in 2010, but the sophomore continued to excel in the classroom. He was one of eight football players named to the MEAC All-Academic team, an honor given to student-athletes who maintain a 3.0 GPA or better. Although he saw limited playing time his freshman year, Marcellon is expected to bolster the secondary this season. "Marcellon is a very studious young man who is very serious about his craft and a tremendous leader," Jenkins said.

Jean Fanor, DB
Hometown: Miami
Major: Psychology
Class: Senior

Fanor returns to the field after recovering from a foot injury last season. He joined Marcellon on the MEAC All-Academic team in 2010-2011, and in 2009. He was seventh on the team with 41 tackles (19 solo), and had a game-high eight tackles at North Carolina A&T to help spoil the Aggies' homecoming with a 31-13 road win in 2009. That team led the FCS in third-down efficiency and was ranked 14th overall. "Jean is a disciplined and dedicated player," Jenkins said. "He's a kid we can count on in any situation -- on and off the field."

Prairie View A&M nominees

Raheem Cardwell, LB
Hometown: Alexandria, Va.
Major: Communications
Class: Sophomore

Cardwell has been a great playmaker for Prairie View A&M's defense (55 total tackles, including 23 solo in 2010). As one of the leaders on defense, he knows how, and when, to make plays on the field. He also values his work in the classroom. "Raheem is a great young player," coach Heishma Northern said. "He has a lot of ability. He's done well in his classes. He has also shown some leadership skills, and that's very impressive."

James Dekle, OL
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Major: Criminal Justice
Class: Senior

A three-time All-SWAC selection, Dekle is a terrific offensive guard -- a solid pro prospect -- who is great in run-and-pass blocking formations. He was a key member of the 2009 Prairie View A&M team, which captured the SWAC championship. "James has done extremely well," said Northern. "He's played some great football for us, and he has been a good student-athlete. He's a good role model."

Marcus White, LB
Hometown: Houston
Major: Nursing
Class: Sophomore

With 55 tackles -- including 14 solo last season -- White is one of the Panthers' top defensive players. Always around the football, White has developed a reputation as a high-achiever -- on the field and in the classroom. "He's an honor roll student," Northern said. "We're very pleased at what he has been able to accomplish as a student-athlete. He's played very well defensively. He should have a good year."

Donald Hunt is a columnist for The Philadelphia Tribune. His HBCU Notebook on ESPN.com can be found here. Got a story idea for Donald? E-mail him at dhunt37261@aol.com.

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