A diverse, talented group of 13 FCS college football players are finalists for the 2024 FedEx Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete Award, now in its 10th anniversary season. In November, each finalist is being profiled on TheAnalyst.com for his excellence both on and off the field.
Chandler Kirton has been the epitome of consistency on Austin Peay’s offensive line, starting 32 consecutive games over the last three seasons.
The senior has exhibited that same dedication and effort in his community service, which has led to his nomination for the 2024 FedEx Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete Award.
The 10th annual award, named after the late schoolteacher and the wife of legendary Grambling State coach Eddie Robinson, is presented to a student-athlete in FCS college football who excels on the playing field, in the classroom and across the community. Kirton is one of 13 finalists – one from each NCAA Division I FCS conference.
The winner will be announced on Dec. 10 and honored at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Banquet on Jan. 4 in Frisco, Texas. (Here’s a look at FCS National Awards history).
Chandler Kirton has made an impact by serving in various on-campus roles at Austin Peay. He’s served on the school’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and volunteered as a tutor in Austin Peay’s Athletics Study Hall. He also has excelled as a tutor, earning a full-time position during the fall 2024 semester.
In addition to his on-campus service, Kirton has volunteered with multiple organizations, including Buddy Ball, which helps children with developmental disabilities participate in athletics. He’s helped pack boxes of holiday gifts for those in need with Operation Christmas Child while donating and packing boxes with Austin Peay’s SAAC during a food drive.
Kirton also partnered with Turner’s Heroes, fundraising to support Pediatric Cancer Research at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. His leadership extended onto the field, earning him a role as team captain this season. He’s earned all-conference honors in back-to-back seasons, including as 2023 first-team selection in the United Athletic Conference.
Kirton’s Doris Robinson Award candidacy includes:
On the Field
- Earned Stats Perform FCS Preseason Third Team All-America honors in 2024
- 2023 All-UAC First Team selection
- Has started a team-high 32 consecutive games at Austin Peay (either guard or center)
In the Classroom
- Has earned a 3.94 cumulative GPA in Management
- 2023 Collegiate Sports Communicators Academic All-District selection
- Has made the Austin Peay Dean’s List in six different semesters
In the Community
- Volunteered with Buddy Ball, an organization that helps kids with developmental disabilities participate in athletics
- Helped fundraise for Turner’s Heroes to support Pediatric Cancer Research at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital
- Spent time with Operation Christmas Child, packing boxes of holiday gifts for those in need
2024 FedEx Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete Award Finalists
Efton Chism III, Eastern Washington, WR (Big Sky Conference)
James Conway, Fordham, LB (Patriot League)
Caleb Curtain, Elon, DB (CAA Football)
Paxton DeLaurent, Southeast Missouri, QB (Big South-OVC Football Association)
Jewelz-Unique Demps, East Texas A&M, DB (Southland Conference)
Mark Gronowski, South Dakota State, QB (Missouri Valley Football Conference)
Chandler Kirton, Austin Peay, OL (United Athletic Conference)
Reuben Lowery III, Chattanooga, DB (Southern Conference)
Matt Noll, Jackson State, P (Southwestern Athletic Conference)
Julian Rawlins, Davidson, DL (Pioneer Football League)
Ben Sahakian, Cornell, LB (Ivy League)
Dan Toatley, Central Connecticut State, DL (Northeast Conference)
Juan Velarde, North Carolina Central, P (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference)
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