ORLANDO, FL - First presented in 2008, the Walter Payton Achievement Award is an honor given annually to two players -- one from each of the two schools participating in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney. The game, which features and celebrates teams from historically black colleges and universities, helps kick off a new college football season on Labor Day weekend in Orlando, Florida.

The award is named in honor of the late Walter Payton, an All-American running back from Jackson State University (1971-74). A member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame, Payton spent his entire NFL career with the Chicago Bears (1975-87). The award recognizes exemplary student-athletes, shining a light on character and embodiment of team spirit.

Six nominees for the award was announced yesterday (July 21). The game will feature the South Carolina State University Bulldogs of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, kicks off at 3:30pm ET, Sept. 6, at the newly renovated Orlando Citrus Bowl and will be televised live on ESPN.

The 2015 nominees from South Carolina State includes senior defensive back Antonio Hamilton, senior tight end Temarrick Hemingway and reshirt sophomore linebacker Darius Leonard. From Arkansas-Pine Bluff; junior linebacker Willie Duncan III, redshirt senior safety Kevin Rucker Jr., and redshirt junior wide receiver Willie Young.

"We are pleased to continue the tradition of recognizing outstanding student-athletes," said Pete Derzis, senior vice president of ESPN Events. "The nominations themselves, for the Walter Payton Achievement Award, further exemplify each player's desire to never stop achieving more.

Finalist were selected by a committee consisting of academic advisers and coaches from the two participating schools. Voting for the 2015 Walter Payton Achievement Award opened yesterday (July 21), and closes Wednesday, Aug. 26. Award winners are announced a the MEAC/SWAC Challenge welcome banquet at the Walt Disney World Resort. The award, to be given out this year on Friday, Sept. 4, is regularly presented by Walter Payton's son, Jarrett Payton.

To vote for your favorite SCSU player click here.

To vote for your favorite Arkansas-Pine Bluff player click here.

For more information about travel arrangements for the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Orlando, Florida on Sept. 6, visit Anthony Travel here.