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.
Southeast Missouri’s Paxton DeLaurent has become one of the most accomplished athletes in program history.
The senior quarterback has shattered records, including becoming the Ohio Valley Conference school’s all-time leading passer in yards and touchdowns this season. Along with his impressive on-field performances, DeLaurent’s success off the field has led to him being a finalist 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. DeLaurent 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).
Paxton DeLaurent involves himself in the community, starting with his presence as a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). He has served as a counselor at the FCA Football and Pickleball Camp while being selected as a guest speaker with the “Fields of Faith” organization.
Along with his heavy involvement within the FCA, DeLaurent was selected to be a counselor at the Manning Passing Academy this past summer. He also volunteers as a tutor at multiple local elementary schools.
His success extends to the classroom, where DeLaurent has earned a 3.95 cumulative GPA in Physical Education. He’s one of only six recipients to receive the 2024-25 OVC Scholar-Athlete Award, awarded to the athletes who have accomplishments in both the classroom and on the field. DeLaurent was also named to the Big South-OVC All-Academic Team in 2023.
His Doris Robinson Award candidacy includes:
On the Field
- Holds SEMO’s career record for total offense, passing yards, passing touchdowns, pass attempts and completions
- Selected to the OVC All-Newcomer Team In 2022
In the Classroom
- Has earned a 3.95 cumulative GPA majoring in Physical Education (K-12)
- One of six recipients of the 2024-25 OVC Scholar-Athlete Award
- Named to the Big South-OVC Association All-Academic Team in 2023
In the Community
- Served as a counselor at Manning Passing Academy in 2024
- Has volunteered to be a counselor at FCA Football Camp and FCA Pickleball Camp
- Has served as a tutor at multiple local elementary schools
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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