RICHMOND, Ky. - After stellar 2023 campaigns, Eastern Kentucky quarterback Parker McKinney and linebacker Logan Blake have been named in the top-30 finalists for two of the top national awards in FCS football. 

McKinney was announced this afternoon as a finalist for the 2023 Walter Payton Award affectionately known as the Heisman of the FCS given annually to the national offensive player of the year. 

On the defensive side of the ball, Blake has been named a finalist for the 2023 Buck Buchanan Award that is given annually to the national defensive player of the year in Division I FCS football. 

For McKinney this marks the second time the quarterback has been named as a finalist for the Walter Payton Award after being named one last season. 

The recognition comes after the Coalfield, Tenn. native put together record setting year with his second consecutive season with over 3,000 yards passing going for 3,033 yards and 20 touchdowns averaging 275.7 yards per game through the air with a passing efficiency rating of 134.1.  

The all-time leading passer in EKU history finished his career 11th on the FCS all-time list for passing yards in a career with 12,670 the most of any active player this season, seventh all-time for total offense in the FCS with 14,431-yards in his career, while adding 94 passing touchdowns in his career. 

Blake's recognition comes after only one season at EKU where the transfer linebacker led the Colonel defense with 132 tackles (71 solo), 10.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 2 interceptions, and 3 pass breakups. 

The Indiana native was also named the United Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week three times in 2023 while also being named the FedEx Ground FCS National Defensive Player of the Week after a 15-tackle performance in EKU's 41-35 double-overtime win against Tarlton State earlier in the season. 

Both awards' winners will be announced on Jan. 6 at the FCS National Awards Banquet in Frisco, Texas on the eve of the FCS championship game. The winners will be selected by a national voting panel.