University of New Hampshire wide receiver Neil O’Connor was named as a finalist for the STATS FCS Walter Payton Award, which is given annually to the FCS offensive player of the year.

O’Connor, a junior from Leominster, Mass., leads the UNH football team in receptions (87), receiving yards (1,291), receiving touchdowns (10) and all-purpose yards (1,405). O’Connor is currently ranked third in the nation in receiving yards, fourth in receiving yards per game (117.4), fifth in receptions per game (7.9) and 13th in receiving touchdowns. O’Connor leads the Colonial Athletic Association in receptions per game and receiving yards per game.

O’Connor is one of 25 finalists for the award, which will be presented Tuesday.

The receiver has been a key component in the Wildcats’ offense and helped lead UNH to its 14th consecutive FCS playoff appearance.

The Wildcats will host Central Connecticut State in the first round of the FCS playoffs on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Wildcat Stadium.

The Wildcats (7-4) are ranked No. 20/21 in the STATS FCS and FCS Coaches Poll that was released Monday. Central Connecticut State (8-3) is unranked, but received votes in both polls.