Award watch list roundup (Part 1)

You might have noticed a flurry names floating across your Twitter feeds last week. It was the start of the preseason watch list rollout. Set a reminder for Dec. 10, when ESPN will be airing the awards show live. But first, let's get through the season. Last week was the first half of the watch list rollout, with the second half slated for this week.

Here's what’s coming up:

  • Monday: Jim Thrope Award

  • Tuesday: Butkus Award/Rotary Lombardi Award

  • Wednesday: Biletnikoff Award/Wuerffel Trophy

  • Thursday: Davey O’Brien Award/Doak Walker Award

  • Friday: Walter Camp Award

Let’s get caught up on the major watch lists that were announced last week.

Bednarik Award (Top defensive player)

Maxwell Award (Player of the year)

Mackey Award (Top tight end)

Rimington Trophy (Top center)

Lou Groza Award (Top placekicker)

Ray Guy Award (Top punter)

Bronko Nagurski (Defensive player of the year)

  • Budda Baker, DB, Washington

  • DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon

  • Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA

  • Su'a Cravens, LB, USC

  • Myles Jack, LB, UCLA

  • Adoree' Jackson, DB, USC

  • Blake Martinez, LB, Stanford

  • Fabian Moreau, DB, UCLA

  • Jared Norris, LB, Utah

  • Scooby Wright III, LB, Arizona

Outland Trophy (Top interior lineman)

There's also the Dodd Trophy, which goes to the nation's top coach. And yes, it has a watch list. On it from the Pac-12 are Mark Helfrich, Jim Mora, Rich Rodriguez and Kyle Whittingham. Of course, the idea of a preseason watch list for coach of the year seems a little silly. When Mike MacIntyre and Colorado go 10-3 with a Holiday Bowl victory, he better win coach of the year. Just saying.