Missouri State QB Jason Shelley named Missouri Valley's Offensive Player of the Year

Wyatt D. Wheeler, Springfield News-Leader
·1 min read
The Missouri State Bears took on the University of Northern Iowa at Plaster Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021.
The Missouri State Bears took on the University of Northern Iowa at Plaster Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021.

In one season behind center, Jason Shelley has transformed Missouri State's offense, led the "Cardiac Bears" from behind on multiple occasions, has them in the playoffs and shattered numerous records along the way.

On Wednesday, Shelley was announced as the Missouri Valley Football Conference's Offensive Player of the Year.

The league announced that Shelley became the first player since the legendary DeAndre Smith to win the league's honor. Smith won it in both 1989 and 1990 while running back Keith Williams grabbed the award in 1985.

More: What Missouri State football coach Bobby Petrino said Monday about FCS Playoff game vs. UT-Martin

Jason Shelley, of Missouri State, passes the ball during the Bears game against the University of Northern Iowa at Plaster Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021.
Jason Shelley, of Missouri State, passes the ball during the Bears game against the University of Northern Iowa at Plaster Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021.

In addition to the offensive honor, Shelley was also named the league's newcomer of the year.

Shelley broke Missouri State's single-season records for both passing and total offense. He ranks eighth in the nation in yards per completion, yards per attempt and is 10th in total offense.

Shelley will be behind center when he leads the Bears against UT-Martin in the first round of the FCS Playoffs at 3 p.m. on Saturday at Plaster Stadium.

More: FCS Playoffs: What to know about UT-Martin, Missouri State's first-round opponent

The quarterback is also one of 25 finalists for the Walter Payton Award which is presented annually to the top offensive player in the FCS.

Shelley will have another opportunity to run it back with the Bears. He has one remaining season of eligibility once this year concludes.

Wyatt D. Wheeler is a reporter and columnist with the Springfield News-Leader. You can contact him at 417-371-6987, by email at wwheeler@news-leader.com or Twitter at @WyattWheeler_NL. He's also the co-host of Sports Talk on Jock Radio weekdays from 4-6 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri State QB Jason Shelley named MVFC Offensive Player of the Year