Aug. 30, 2004

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Samford senior receiver Efrem Hill was named to the Watch List for the Walter Payton Award, which goes to the top player in I-AA football. The Sports Network released the list on Monday.

In addition to being named to the Watch List, Hill was also named to the preseason All-America Team, released during the summer.

In Saturday's season-opener, Hill, who was a consensus All-American in 2003, caught nine passes for 209 yards and three touchdowns. For his efforts in the game against West Alabama, Hill was named a I-AA All-Star.

Hill and the Bulldogs will play at Georgia Tech on Saturday, September 4. The game is scheduled to kickoff at 12:00 p.m., Central Time, at Bobby Dodd Stadium.