Former Gaffney High star Malcolm Long is in the running for the prestigious Payton Award. Former Gaffney High star Malcolm Long is one of 20 candidates on the official watch list for the 2010 Walter Payton Award, The Sports Network announced on Monday.

The Payton Award is presented annually to the nation’s top player in NCAA Division I FCS (Football Championship Subdivision — formerly Division I-AA).

A senior, Long is coming off his finest season, setting four school passing records. Long, 6-3, 240 lbs., set school records for completions with 209, for attempts with 324 and yards with 2,502 as well as completion percentage at 64.5 percent.

He accounted for 25 touchdowns, including five rushing. He earned second-team All-MEAC honors last year. He also was named a All-State performer and is a strong candidate for MEAC Offensive Player of the Year honors.

Long and the Bulldogs open on Saturday, Sept. 4 against ACC champion Georgia Tech.