Lehigh University Athletics
Lum named to Walter Payton Award watch list
10/4/2011 4:13:00 PM | Football
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Following a brilliant five game start to the 2011 season, Lehigh senior quarterback Chris Lum has been named to the watch list for the Walter Payton Award, given to the outstanding player in the Football Championship Subdivision. Through five games, Lum leads the FCS in total offense, passing yards and touchdown passes, while leading the Mountain Hawks to a 4-1 record and their first top ten national ranking since 2005.
Lum is on pace for one of the finest seasons in school history. In five contests, the Michigan native has completed 66 percent of his passes (138-of-210) for 1,809 yards and 19 touchdowns. His 371 yards of total offense per game is also tops in the FCS. Lum ranks sixth nationally in passing efficiency with a 160.31 rating. A first team All-Patriot League selection a year ago, Lum has thrown for 300-plus yards in each of Lehigh's first five games this season and owns a six game streak dating back to last year. Lum established a career high with 401 passing yards against New Hampshire on September 10 and tied a school record with six touchdown passes in that game. He was named the Patriot League's Offensive Player of the Week in each of the first three weeks of this season and is coming off a 378-yard, three-touchdown performance in the Mountain Hawks' most recent win, a 37-7 triumph over Yale on Saturday. Lum owns a 15-5 career record as Lehigh's starting signal caller.
The initial watch list of 20 players was announced in July. Lum was one of four players added to the watch list on Tuesday, along with Indiana State running back Shakir Bell, New Hampshire quarterback Kevin Decker and Idaho State wide receiver Rodrick Rumble. Lum is the first Mountain Hawk named to the Walter Payton Award watch list since Mark Borda was named to the list in November 2004.
The 25th Walter Payton Award is voted on by a panel of media members and sports information directors at the conclusion of the regular season. The award will be presented along with the Buck Buchanan Award (top defensive player), the Eddie Robinson Award (top coach) and the Jerry Rice Award (top freshman) at the FCS national awards banquet Friday night, Jan. 6 in Frisco, Texas.
Lum and the Mountain Hawks return to action on Saturday when they open up Patriot League play against Bucknell. Game time is set for 1 p.m. from Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium in Lewisburg, Pa.
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