South Dakota State quarterback Mark Gronowski and Monmouth running back Jaden Shirden, both finalists for the Walter Payton Award given to the most outstanding player in the Championship Subdivision, were selected to the Associated Press FCS All-America team announced Tuesday.
Gronowski is trying to lead the Jackrabbits to their second straight national championship. He leads the nation in passing efficiency rating at 178.06, with 25 touchdown passes. Shirden is the nation's leading rusher with 1,478 yards.
Gronowski is one of three South Dakota State players selected to the first-team, along with offensive linemen Garret Greenfield and Mason McCormick.
The Jackrabbits host Albany on Friday night in the FCS semifinals. The Great Danes have two first-team All-Americans on their defense in defensive lineman Anton Juncaj and linebacker Dylan Kelly.
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Second-team quarterback Max Brosmer of New Hampshire is the third finalists for the Payton Award, which will be presented Jan. 6, the day before the FCS national championship game.
North Dakota State plays at Montana on Saturday in the other FCS semifinals.
The All-America team is selected for AP by a panel of sports writers and sports information directors who cover FCS.
FIRST TEAM (offense)
Quarterback - Mark Gronowski, fourth-year, South Dakota State.
All-purpose player - Junior Bergen, third-year, Montana.
Kicker - Ricardo Chavez, fourth-year, Idaho.
SECOND TEAM (defense)
Linemen - Ty French, fourth-year, Gardner-Webb; David Walker, fourth-year, Central Arkansas; Finn Claypool, third-year, Drake; Daylan Dotson, fourth-year, Tennessee Martin.
Follow Ralph D. Russo at https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and listen at http://www.appodcasts.com. Get alerts on the latest AP Top 25 poll throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football