Creator of ‘Mr Irrelevant’ – Paul Salata Passes

Paul Salata, the Newport Beach businessman and philanthropist who founded Mr. Irrelevant Week 45 years ago, died Saturday, October 16th. Salata was 94 years old and passed the day before his 95th birthday this past Sunday. He had been in declining health for several years.

Salata was part of the rich bizarre history and lore of the NFL Draft. He created Irrelevant Week in 1976 to honor the last player selected in the NFL Draft, who would be known as “Mr. Irrelevant.” A week’s worth of activities, including a welcome party, a golf tournament, a trip to Disneyland and The Lowsman Banquet’ with a parade, were among the events.

Mr. Irrelevant would be presented the ‘Lowsman Trophy’, which looked like the famed Heisman Trophy except the football player on the Lowsman Trophy is dropping the football. This last selection in the NFL Draft also created the ‘Salata Rule’ after an incident in 1979 between the LA Rams and Pittsburgh Steeler. The Rams passed on the next to last selection to allow the Steelers to move up one spot and the Rams would get the final selection. The Steelers also passed on the selection which forced the Commissioner Pete Rozelle and NFL office to rule that no team can pass on the next to last selection to claim the final overall draft choice. Steelers retained the last draft choice.

Salata gave to many charitable causes – Irrelevant Week always benefited local charities – and created endowments at USC where he played football and baseball.

Salata was master of ceremony and guest of honor at many events for many years in Orange County. His quick wit was always on display. One example: Tampa Bay Buccaneers placekicker Ryan Succop was a Mr. Irrelevant when he was the last player drafted in 2009 by the Kansas City Chiefs. Succop’s last name is pronounced “suck up.” With that in mind, Salata’s introduction of Succop included, “He comes from a whole family of Succops.” As a Buccaneer in 2021, Succop became the first ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ to win a Super Bowl ring with the Bucs.

Salata was a successful sewer contractor. The late Orange County Register columnist John Hall often called Salata “The Sewer King.”

Before getting into the business world, Salata was an outstanding receiver at USC. He caught a touchdown pass for the Trojans in a 25-0 victory over Tennessee in the 1945 Rose Bowl game (Salata would claim he caught two touchdown passes in the game, but an official, Salata said, made a mistake when the official ruled Salata was out of bounds on what would have been a touchdown reception). At USC, he was an infielder and part of the Trojans’ first College World Series title. His USC playing days were interrupted by an 18-month stint in the Army Air Corps.

Salata played for the Baltimore Colts when the Colts were in the All-American Football Conference and rejoined the team when the Colts were integrated in the NFL. He played for the San Francisco 49ers in 1949 and 1950. During the 1950 season, he had 50 receptions, playing for the 49ers and Colts that season.

He also played in the Canadian Football League in which he was an all-star receiver with the Calgary Stampeders. Salata played college and minor-league baseball.

Salata was an extra or bit-player in 18 films, including as a prisoner of war in “Stalag 17,” as one of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball players in the original “Angels in the Outfield,” the ‘Ten Commandments’, ‘Singin in the Rain’, and he was the guy who sliced open Frank Sinatra’s nose in “The Joker Is Wild.”

He is survived by his wife Carolyn, daughter Melanie Salata Fitch, son Brian Salata, granddaughters Alix and Marie, and brother George.

Salata Fitch assumed the leadership role in Irrelevant Week in recent years and hopefully continues this amazing tradition.

2019 FWAA All-America Team

76th annual team is presented by Cotton Bowl Classic

DALLAS — The Football Writers Association of America, in partnership with the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, announced its 2019 All-America Team, headlined by 12 players from the Big Ten Conference – nine of them on the first team – and 11 from the Southeastern Conference that includes Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Joe Burrow of LSU.

Fifty-four standout players were selected to two teams by the association’s All-America committee after voting from the entire membership. Since 2013, the FWAA has named a second team. Overall, there are 35 schools represented from eight Football Bowl Subdivision conferences, including 14 players who are competing in the College Football Playoff and three repeat selections.

Frank Coyle is a longtime national scout of both College and NFL players. He is also a long time member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 25 years.

The top two teams in the College Football Playoff – Ohio State (5) and LSU (4) – lead all programs on the combined first and second teams. The Buckeyes tied for the national-high with three first-team members led by the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Bednarik Award winner, defensive end Chase Young, along with defensive back Jeff Okudah and running back J.K. Dobbins, who was selected as an all-purpose player. Quarterback Justin Fields and offensive lineman Wyatt Davis are on the second team. LSU’s Burrow, who set multiple SEC passing records and is on pace to break more, is the first-team quarterback along with his main target, Biletnikoff Award-winning wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Burrow also won the Maxwell, Davey O’Brien and Walter Camp Awards, and joins offensive lineman Lloyd Cushenberry III and defensive back Derek Stingley Jr., who are second-team members.

Stingley is one of three freshmen on the team as part of 34 underclassmen. There are 19 seniors and 19 juniors on the roster along with one graduate student. Earning their second All-America honors from the FWAA are running backs Jonathan Taylor of Wisconsin (first team in 2018 as well) and Travis Etienne of Clemson (second team both seasons) and offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton of Oregon (second team both seasons). The conference breakdown is: Big Ten (12), SEC (11), Big 12 and Pac-12 (9), ACC (8), Conference USA (2), Mountain West (2) and American Athletic (1). There are 11 players from Texas – seven on the first team – and five each from Florida and Louisiana.

It has been a big year for the Big Ten and its nine first-team members. Wisconsin ties Ohio State for the most first-teamers with three, highlighted by Taylor, the school’s career rushing record-holder and two-time Doak Walker Award winner, center Tyler Biadasz, the Rimington Trophy winner, and linebacker Zach Baun, one of the national leaders in tackles for loss. Wisconsin closes the decade having had an All-American in nine of 10 seasons, a string that began with offensive tackle Gabe Carimi winning the Outland Trophy in 2010. Ohio State’s five players are the most it has ever placed on an FWAA All-America team and the Buckeyes placed three on the first team for the first time since 2002. Their first-team trio ties four other seasons behind only the 1944 team’s four members for the most first-teamers in school history. Ohio State has had at least one FWAA All-America player in six of the last seven seasons.

Minnesota’s Winfield Jr. is the Gophers’ first All-American since 2014 and only their second since two-time All-America center Greg Eslinger won the Outland Trophy in 2005. He is Minnesota’s first All-America defensive back since 1999. Iowa offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs and kicker Keith Duncan give the Hawkeyes All-Americans in seven consecutive seasons and marks the second time in three seasons for them to have two first-teamers. Penn State, which takes on Memphis in this year’s Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at Noon ET on Dec. 28 on ESPN, completes the Big Ten field with linebacker Micah Parsons on the second team.

LSU’s four All-Americans mark its highest total ever and, with Burrow and Chase on the first team, this is the 10th time for the Tigers to have at least two first-teamers in a season. LSU has had at least one All-American in three of the last four seasons. Georgia, with J.R. Reed in the secondary and Outland Trophy semifinalist Andrew Thomas on the offensive line, placed two on the first team for only the third time in its history and has now had an All-American in three straight seasons.

Kentucky, with Ray Guy Award winner Max Duffy on the first team, now has back-to-back first-teamers for the first time since 1949-50. Linebacker Josh Allen was the 2018 Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner and Bob Gain was a two-time All-America offensive tackle selection (1949-50) and the 1950 Outland Trophy winner. The Wildcats also have offensive lineman Logan Stenberg on the second team. Alabama punt returner Jaylen Waddle earned the Crimson Tide a first-team selection for a 12th consecutive season. Auburn’s Derrick Brown is the Tigers’ first first-team selection since 2016 and Florida defensive back C.J. Henderson is Florida’s first All-American since 2016.

The Big 12 tied the Pac-12 with nine selections but has the best distribution among all the conferences, as seven of its 10 schools are represented on the combined team. Oklahoma extended its All-America streak to six years and has had at least one first-teamer (wide receiver CeeDee Lamb this season) in four consecutive years. Sophomore center Creed Humphrey is on the second team. Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard gives the Cowboys an eighth first-teamer this decade and 10th in the last 12 seasons. Baylor and TCU have their first All-Americans since 2015; Baylor’s James Lynch is the Bears’ third defensive All-America player since 1991, and this is only the third time (2015, 1955) for TCU to have two All-Americans (Jeff Gladney and Jalen Reagor) in the same season.

Utah defensive linemen Bradlee Anae marks the third time in the last four seasons that the Utes have had a defensive player on the first team and four of the last six, and also has defensive lineman Leki Fotu on the second team. Prior to 2014, Utah had only two All-Americans on defense. The Utes have had an All-American in five consecutive seasons with a Pac-12-high three this season with running back Zack Moss on the second unit. Oregon ends the decade with two All-America picks from its offensive line, Outland Trophy winner Penei Sewell and two-time selection Throckmorton. Evan Weaver is Cal’s first All-American since 2006 and the Bears’ fourth since 2000.

Clemson now has a first-team selection in five straight seasons with offensive lineman John Simpson and Butkus Award winner Isaiah Simmons making this year’s top unit; it’s the ninth time this decade for the Tigers to have an All-American and the fifth time for the Tigers to have two first-team selections. Virginia kick returner Joe Reed is the Cavaliers’ first first-team selection since 2007 but the program’s third straight All-America pick after only having two this century prior to 2016.

Among the other second team members, James Proche reset SMU’s career receiving record books this season and becomes the Mustangs’ first All-American since running back Reggie Dupard in 1985. Boise State defensive lineman Curtis Weaver becomes the Broncos’ fourth All-American and first since 2015. San Diego State earned its fourth All-America nod this century and seventh overall as Luq Barcoo becomes the Aztecs’ first defensive player to be so honored.

Pitt defensive lineman Jaylen Twyman is the Panthers’ first defensive All-American since Aaron Donald won the Outland Trophy and Bronko Nagurski Trophy in 2013. Miami’s Greg Rousseau is the Hurricanes’ second All-American since 2005. Wake Forest has back-to-back All-America selections for the first time as kicker Nick Sciba earned this year’s nod, and punt returner Greg Dortsch earned it in 2018. Syracuse has had an All-American in three consecutive seasons thanks to its special teams; it has punter Sterling Hofrichter this year after placing kicker Andre Szmyt on the 2018 first team.

Michael Pittman Jr. is USC’s first All-American since a three-year run from 2014-16 and only the Trojans’ fourth choice this decade. Hamilcar Rashed is Oregon State’s sixth All-American and first since 2013. Brandon Aiyuk gives Arizona State an All-America selection in three of the last four seasons. Prior to that string, no Sun Devil had earned the honor since defensive end Terrell Suggs won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy in 2002.

2019 FWAA All-American First Team

OFFENSE
QB Joe Burrow, LSU (6-4, 216, Sr., Athens, Ohio)
RB Chuba Hubbard, Oklahoma State (6-1, 207, So., Sherwood Park, Alberta)
RB Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin (5-11, 219, Jr., Salem, N.J.)
WR Ja’Marr Chase, LSU (6-1, 200, So., Metairie, La.)
WR CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma (6-2, 189, Jr., Richmond, Texas)
TE Harrison Bryant, Florida Atlantic (6-5, 240, Sr., Gray, Ga.)
OL Penei Sewell, Oregon (6-6, 325, So., Malaeimi, American Samoa)
OL John Simpson, Clemson (6-4, 330, Sr., North Charleston, S.C.)
OL Andrew Thomas, Georgia (6-5, 320, Jr., Lithonia, Ga.)
OL Tristan Wirfs, Iowa (6-5, 322, Jr., Mount Vernon, Iowa)
C Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin (6-3, 321, Jr., Amherst, Wis.)

DEFENSE
DL Bradlee Anae, Utah (6-3, 265, Sr., Laie, Hawaii)
DL Derrick Brown, Auburn (6-5, 318, Sr., Sugar Hill, Ga.)
DL James Lynch, Baylor (6-4, 295, Jr., Round Rock, Texas)
DL Chase Young, Ohio State (6-5, 265, Jr., Upper Marlboro, Md.)
LB Zack Baun, Wisconsin (6-3, 235, Sr., Brown Deer, Wis.)
LB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson (6-4, 230, Jr., Olathe, Kan.)
LB Evan Weaver, California (6-3, 235, Sr., Spokane, Wash.)
DB Jeff Okudah, Ohio State (6-1, 200, Jr., Grand Prairie, Texas)
DB J.R. Reed, Georgia (6-1, 194, Gr., Frisco, Texas)
DB Amik Robertson, Louisiana Tech (5-9, 183, Jr., Thibodaux, La.)
DB Antoine Winfield Jr., Minnesota (5-10, 205, So., The Woodlands, Texas)

Specialists
K Keith Duncan, Iowa (5-10, 180, Jr., Weddington, N.C.)
P Max Duffy, Kentucky (6-1, 194, Jr., Perth, Australia)
KR Joe Reed, Virginia (6-3, 215, Sr., Charlotte Court House, Va.)
PR Jaylen Waddle, Alabama (5-10, 182, So., Houston, Texas)
AP J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State (5-10, 217, Jr., La Grange, Texas)

2019 FWAA All-American Second Team

Offense: QB Justin Fields, Ohio State; RB Travis Etienne, Clemson; RB Zack Moss, Utah; WR Michael Pittman Jr., USC; WR James Proche, SMU; TE Charlie Kolar, Iowa State; OL Lloyd Cushenberry III, LSU; OL Wyatt Davis, Ohio State; OL Logan Stenberg, Kentucky; OL Calvin Throckmorton, Oregon; C Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma. Defense: DL Leki Fotu, Utah; DL Greg Rousseau, Miami; DL Jaylen Twyman, Pitt; DL Curtis Weaver, Boise State; LB Jordyn Brooks, Texas Tech; LB Micah Parsons, Penn State; LB Hamilcar Rashed, Oregon State; DB Luq Barcoo, San Diego State; DB Jeff Gladney, TCU; DB C.J. Henderson, Florida; DB Derek Stingley Jr., LSU. Specialists: K Nick Sciba, Wake Forest; P Sterling Hofrichter, Syracuse; KR Joshua Youngblood, Kansas State; PR Jalen Reagor TCU; AP Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State.

The FWAA’s All-America Committee selected this 76th annual team based on nominations from the entire membership. This is just the seventh season in the modern era (post-1950) that the FWAA has named a second team.

The FWAA All-America Team was first selected in 1944, three years after the organization was formed. The FWAA’s inaugural team included Army’s Heisman Trophy tandem of Doc Blanchard and Glenn Davis and Georgia Tech’s Frank Broyles, who later became Arkansas’ head football coach and athletic director.

For seven decades the FWAA has selected an All-America team with the help of its members and an All-America Committee, which represents all the regions in the country. From that All-America team, the FWAA also selects the Outland Trophy winner (best interior lineman) and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner (best defensive player).

The Football Writers Association of America, a non-profit organization founded in 1941, consists of more than 1,400 men and women who cover college football. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game day operations, major awards and its annual All-America team.

Frank Coyle is a longtime national scout of both College and NFL players. He is also a long time member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 25 years.

FWAA Announces 2019 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List

92 Players Listed for Defensive Player of the Year Award

The Football Writers Association of America released its 2019 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List today, selecting 92 defensive standouts from 65 schools in all 10 Division I FBS conferences plus independents on a roster that includes four returning players from last season’s FWAA All-America team.

Grant Delpit, a junior safety from LSU, tops the list as the lone returning Bronko Nagurski Trophy finalist and FWAA first-team All-American from last season. Joining him on the list are three other returning 2018 FWAA second-team All-Americans in Virginia cornerback Bryce Hall, Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes, and Stanford cornerback Paulson Adebo.

Alabama leads the team count with four representatives – linebackers Anfernee Jennings and Dylan Moses, end Raekwon Davis and cornerback Trevon Diggs. In addition to Delpit, LSU boasts linebacker Jacob Phillips and cornerback Kristian Fulton on the list to tie Iowa State, Notre Dame and Penn State with three members each. There are 16 schools with two members on the list.

Players may be added or removed from the watch list during the course of the season. As in previous years, the FWAA will announce a National Defensive Player of the Week each Tuesday this season. If not already on the watch list, each week’s honored player will be added at that time. The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce five finalists for the 2019 Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Nov. 20.

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner will be chosen from those five finalists. The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the association’s full membership, selects a 26-man All-America Team and eventually the Nagurski Trophy finalists. Committee members, by individual ballot, select the winner they regard as the best defensive player in college football.

This year’s watch list includes at least four players from eight of the 10 FBS conferences. The SEC (18) and Big Ten (15) have the most members and combine to make up more than one-third of the 92-man list. The ACC and Pac-12 (12 each) and Big 12 (11) also have double-digit representation, followed by the American Athletic (6), Independents (5), Conference USA (4), Mountain West (4), Mid-American (3) and Sun Belt (2). The list includes 36 linebackers, 28 backs, 21 ends and seven tackles.

2019 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List (92)

DB DeMarkus Acy, Missouri                       DE Mustafa Johnson, Colorado
DB Paulson Adebo, Stanford                       DE Patrick Johnson, Tulane
DE Bradlee Anae, Utah                                LB Clay Johnston, Baylor
LB Rayshard Ashby, Virginia Tech            DB Brandon Jones, Texas
LB Joe Bachie, Michigan State                   LB Antonio Jones-Davis, NIU
DE JaQuan Bailey, Iowa State                    DE Khalid Kareem, Notre Dame
LB Markus Bailey, Purdue                           LB Nate Landman, Colorado
DB Essang Bassey, Wake Forest                 LB Sage Lewis, FIU
LB Shaun Bradley, Temple                          DT Ray Lima, Iowa State
DB Antoine Brooks Jr., Maryland             LB Bryan London II, Texas State
LB Jordyn Brooks, Texas Tech                   LB Jordan Mack, Virginia
DT Derrick Brown, Auburn                        DT Justin Madubuke, Texas A&M
DB Myles Bryant, Washington                  DB Kevin McGill, Eastern Michigan
DB Andre Cisco, Syracuse                          DB Josh Metellus, Michigan
DE Nick Coe, Auburn                                  LB Dylan Moses, Alabama
LB Carter Coughlin, Minnesota                LB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
DB Cameron Dantzler, Mississippi St      DE Julian Okwara, Notre Dame
DE Raekwon Davis, Alabama                    LB Micah Parsons, Penn State
DB Grant Delpit, LSU                                 LB Jacob Phillips, LSU
DB Trevon Diggs, Alabama                        LB Shaquille Quarterman, Miami
DE Victor Dimukeje, Duke                        DB J.R. Reed, Georgia
LB Troy Dye, Oregon                                  DB Elijah Riley, Army
LB Cooper Edmiston, Tulsa                      DB Amik Robertson, Louisiana Tech
DE A.J. Epenesa, Iowa                               LB Merlin Robertson, Arizona State
LB Jordan Fehr, Appalachian State        DE Alton Robinson, Syracuse
LB Paddy Fisher, Northwestern               LB Colin Schooler, Arizona
DB Jordan Fuller, Ohio State                   DT Jordon Scott, Oregon
DB Kristian Fulton, LSU                           LB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson
LB Lawrence Garner, Old Dominion       LB Marcel Spears, Iowa State
LB Cale Garrett, Missouri                         DB Caden Sterns, Texas
DE Jonathan Garvin, Miami                    LB Darrell Taylor, Tennessee
DE Joe Gaziano, Northwestern               LB Kyahva Tezino, San Diego State
DB Alohi Gilman, Notre Dame               DE Xavier Thomas, Clemson
DB Jeff Gladney, TCU                              LB Erroll Thompson, Mississippi State
DB Richie Grant, UCF                              DT Khyiris Tonga, BYU
DB A.J. Green, Oklahoma State             DE Jay Tufele, USC
DE Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State       LB Mykal Walker, Fresno State
DB Javon Hagan, Ohio                            DE Curtis Weaver, Boise State
DB Bryce Hall, Virginia                           LB Evan Weaver, California
LB Ky’el Hemby, Southern Miss           DB James Wiggins, Cincinnati
DB CJ Henderson, Florida                     DE Kenny Willekes, Michigan State
DB Lavert Hill, Michigan                        DT Marvin Wilson, Florida State
DE Wyatt Hubert, Kansas State            DT Robert Windsor, Penn State
LB Bryce Huff, Memphis                       LB David Woodward, Utah State
LB Anfernee Jennings, Alabama         DE Chase Young, Ohio State
DB Jaylon Johnson, Utah                     DE Jabari Zuniga, Florida

By conference: SEC 18, Big Ten 15, ACC 12, Pac-12 12, Big 12 11, American Athletic 6, Independents 5, Conference USA 4, Mountain West 4, Mid-American 3, Sun Belt 2.

By position: Linebackers 36, Backs 28, Ends 21, Tackles 7.

Players may be added or removed from the list before or during the season

The 25th Annual Bronko Nagurski Trophy Banquet will be held on Dec. 9 at the Charlotte Convention Center. In addition to the 2019 Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner’s announcement, the banquet will also celebrate former UCLA All-American Jerry Robinson, the recipient of the Bronko Nagurski Legends Award. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is the keynote speaker.

The FWAA has chosen a National Defensive Player of the Year since 1993. In 1995, the FWAA named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football, then became a star for professional football’s Chicago Bears in the 1930s. Bronislaw “Bronko” Nagurski is a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA and its 25 awards now boast over 800 recipients, dating to 1935. Visit ncfaa.org to learn more about the NCFAA.

About the Football Writers Association of America
Founded in 1941, the non-profit Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) consists of more than 1,300 members, including journalists, broadcasters, publicists and key executives in all areas of college football. Led by current President Matt Fortuna of The Athletic, longtime Executive Director Steve Richardson, and a board of veteran journalists, the association continues to grow and work to help college football prosper at all levels. Visit footballwriters.com for more information about the FWAA and its award programs.

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He has published draftinsiders.com for 28 years including a 250 page Yearbook with 300 in-depth scouting reports. Long-time scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game and member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 25+ years.

FWAA Announces 2019 Outland Trophy Watch List

83 Players Listed for Nation’s Top Interior Lineman

The Football Writers Association of America has announced the preseason watch list for the 2019 Outland Trophy presented by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. This season’s list presents a rare wide-open field following the departure of all eight Outland Trophy semifinalists from a year ago and the return of only one FWAA All-American, offensive tackle Calvin Throckmorton of Oregon. The Ducks, along with Michigan, top the list with four selections among the 83 standout interior linemen representing all 10 Division I FBS conferences and independents.

Throckmorton, a senior from Bellevue, Wash., was a second-team FWAA All-American and is the lone member of the 2018 FWAA All-America Team on either interior line to return this season. He is joined by three teammates, center Jake Hanson, guard Shane Lemieux and defensive tackle Jordon Scott. Michigan has four members of its offensive front on the list – center Cesar Ruiz, guards Michael Onwenu and Ben Bredeson, and tackle Jon Runyan. Georgia has three players and 15 other schools have two representatives on the list of standouts.

University of Pittsburgh All-American Mark May, the 1980 Outland Trophy winner, will serve as the Outland Trophy #FightFlu ambassador for the upcoming season. May will make media appearances on behalf of the #FightFlu public awareness campaign to remind people to get their annual flu shots.

The recipient of the 74th Outland Trophy will be announced during ESPN’s The Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 12, live from the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. The official presentation to the winner will be made at the NFID Outland Trophy Awards Dinner sponsored by Werner Enterprises and produced by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee on Jan. 15, 2020. Up to eight semifinalists will be named on Nov. 20 in Omaha and three finalists for the award will be announced on Nov. 25.

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He has published draftinsiders.com for 29 years including a 250 page Yearbook with 300 in-depth scouting reports. Long-time scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game and member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 27 years.

Candidates may be added or removed during the season. The distribution of watch list candidates is spread well among the conferences, with the Big Ten and SEC leading the way with 13 each. The Big 12 and Pac-12 are just behind with 12 apiece, followed by the ACC with 10 as well as the American Athletic (6), Independents and Mountain West (4 each), and Conference USA, Mid-American and Sun Belt (3 each). The list includes 32 offensive tackles, 19 defensive tackles, 18 guards and 14 centers.

2019 Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List (83)

OT Trey Adams, Washington                             OG Shane Lemieux, Oregon
OT Hakeem Adeniji, Kansas                              DT Ray Lima, Iowa State
OL Tremayne Anchrum, Clemson                    OT Walker Little, Stanford
OG Jack Anderson, Texas Tech                        OT Abraham Lucas, Washington State
OT Mekhi Becton, Louisville                             DL James Lynch, Baylor
C Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin                                DT Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M
DT Ross Blacklock, TCU                                     DT Garrett Marino, UAB
DT Quinton Bohanna, Kentucky                       OT Colton McKivitz, West Virginia
OG Parker Braun, Texas                                     OG John Molchon, Boise State
OG Ben Bredeson, Michigan                             C Jimmy Morrissey, Pitt
DT Derrick Brown, Auburn                               OT Thayer Munford, Ohio State
OL Jake Brown, UCF                                          DT Larrell Murchison, N.C. State
C Levi Brown, Marshall                                      DT Lorenzo Neal, Purdue
C Cohl Cabral, Arizona State                             OT Jake Nelson, Nevada
OT Brady Christensen, BYU                              OT Lucas Niang, TCU
OT Ezra Cleveland, Boise State                         OT Marcus Norman, USF
DT Doug Costin, Miami                                      OG Michael Onwenu, Michigan
OT Coy Cronk, Indiana                                       OT Miles Pate, WKU
OG Navaughn Donaldson, Miami                     DT John Penisini, Utah
OT Liam Eichenberg, Notre Dame                   OT Benjamin Petrula, Boston College
OG Jovahn Fair, Temple                                     C Cesar Ruiz, Michigan
DT Leki Fotu, Utah                                              OT Jon Runyan, Michigan
DT Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma                      DT Jordon Scott, Oregon
C Jake Hanson, Oregon                                       C Zach Shackelford, Texas
C Bryce Harris, Toledo                                         OL Josh Sills, West Virginia
C Nick Harris, Washington                                 OG John Simpson, Clemson
OT Charlie Heck, North Carolina                      OT Rashawn Slater, Northwestern
OT Justin Herron, Wake Forest                         OG Logan Stenberg, Kentucky
C Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma                          OT Prince Tega Wanogho, Auburn
OT Robert Hunt, Louisiana                                OT Andrew Thomas, Georgia
OL Keith Ismael, San Diego State                     OT Calvin Throckmorton, Oregon
OT Alaric Jackson, Iowa                                     DT Khyiris Tonga, BYU
C Jordan Johnson, UCF                                     OG Tre’Vour Wallace-Sims, Missouri
OT Victor Johnson, Appalachian State           C Darryl Williams, Mississippi State
OT Josh Jones, Houston                                    DT Raequan Williams, Michigan State
OG Luke Juriga, Western Michigan                OT Jedrick Wills Jr., Alabama
OG Kirk  Kelley, Troy                                         OL Isaiah Wilson, Georgia
OL Solomon Kindley, Georgia                          DT Marvin Wilson, Florida State
DT Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina                   DT Robert Windsor, Penn State
OG Tommy Kraemer, Notre Dame                 OT Tristan Wirfs, Iowa
OG Gus Lavaka, Oregon State                         C Dustin Woodard, Memphis
OG Alex Leatherwood, Alabama

By conference: Big Ten 13, SEC 13, Big 12 12, Pac-12 12, ACC 10, American Athletic 6, Independents 4, Mountain West 4, Conference USA 3, Mid-American 3, Sun Belt 3.

By position: Offensive Tackles 32, Defensive Tackles 19, Offensive Guards 18, Centers 14.

Tackles, guards and centers are eligible for consideration Candidates may be added or removed during the season

The Outland Trophy winner is chosen from three finalists who are a part of the annual FWAA All-America Team. The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the entire membership, selects a 26-man first team and eventually the three Outland finalists. Committee members, then by individual ballot, select the winner. Only interior linemen on offense or defense are eligible for the award; ends are not eligible.

The Outland Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA and its 25 awards now boast over 800 recipients, dating to 1935. Visit ncfaa.org to learn more about the NCFAA.

The Outland Trophy, now in its 74th year, is the third-oldest major college football award. Created in 1946 when Dr. John Outland presented the FWAA with a financial contribution to initiate the award, the Outland Trophy has been given to the best interior lineman in college football ever since. Dr. Outland, an All-American at the University of Pennsylvania in the late 1890s, eventually took up practice in Kansas City, Mo. An avid outdoorsman, Dr. Outland believed linemen did not get the credit they deserved and wanted an award to recognize them.

About the Football Writers Association of America
Founded in 1941, the non-profit Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) consists of more than 1,300 members, including journalists, broadcasters, publicists and key executives in all areas of college football. Led by current President Matt Fortuna of The Athletic, longtime Executive Director Steve Richardson, and a board of veteran journalists, the association continues to grow and work to help college football prosper at all levels. Visit footballwriters.com for more information about the FWAA and its award programs.

Draft Insiders’ 2018 All-American Teams

   Frank Coyle/ Publisher – Head Scout

 All-American First Team

Offense

QB Tua Tagovailoa – Alabama, Sophomore
RB Jonathan Taylor – Wisconsin, Sophomore
RB Benny Snell – Kentucky, Junior
WR Jerry Jeudy – Alabama, Junior
WR N’Keal Harry – Arizona State, Junior
WR Marques Brown – Oklahoma, Redshirt senior
TE Noah Fant – Iowa, Junior
C Garrett Bradbury – North Carolina St, Senior
OL Greg Little – Ole Miss, Junior
OL Jonah Williams – Alabama, Junior
OL Michael Deiter – Wisconsin, Senior
OL Dru Samia – Oklahoma, Senior
 
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Defense
DE Montez Smeat – Mississippi State, Senior
DE Clelin Ferrell – Clemson, Junior
DT Ed Oliver – Houston, Junior
DT Jerry Tillery – Notre Dame, Senior
LB Devin White – LSU, Junior
LB Josh Allen – Kentucky, Senior
LB Devin Bush – Michigan, Junior
CB Greedy Williams – LSU, Sophomore
CB Byron Murphy – Washington, Sophomore
S Taylor Rapp – Washington, Junior
S Deionte Thompson – Alabama, Junior

Special Teams
PK Cole Tracy – LSU, Senior
P Branden Mann – Texas A&M, Junior
KR Tony Pollard – Memphis, Redshirt junior
PR Mecole Hardman – Georgia, Junior
All-Purpose Deebo Samuel – South Carolina, Redshirt senior

All-American Second Team

Offense
QB Kyler Murray – Oklahoma, Junior
RB Myles Gaskin – Washington, Senior
RB Darrell Henderson – Memphis, Junior
WR David Sills V – West Virginia, Senior
WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey – Texas, Junior
WR J.J Arcega-Whiteside – Stanford, Junior
TE T.J Hockenson – Iowa, Redshirt sophomore
C Ross Pierschbacher – Alabama, Senior
OL Calvin Throckmorten – Oregon, Junior
OL Dalton Risner – Kansas State, Redshirt senior
OL Beau Benzschawel – Wisconsin, Redshirt senior
OL Ben Powers – Oklahoma, Senior

Defense
DE Austin Bryant – Clemson, Senior
DE Chase Winovich – Michigan, Senior
DT Christian Wilkins – Clemson, Senior
DL Dre’Mont Jones – Ohio State, Junior
LB Chase Hansen – Utah, Senior
LB T.J. Edwards – Wisconsin, Redshirt senior
LB Ben Burr-Kirven – Washington, Senior
CB Deandre Baker – Georgia, Senior
CB Julian Love – Notre Dame, Junior
S Juan Thornhill – Virginia, Senior
S Grant Delpit – LSU, Sophomore

Special Teams
K PK Matt Gay- Utah, Senior
P Jake Bailey – Stanford, Senior
KR Parris Campbell – Ohio St, Senior
PR Richaud Floyd – Missouri, Redshirt junior
AP Rondale Moore – Purdue, Redshirt freshman

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 25 years.

Heisman Trophy Award 2018

The Heisman Trophy award will be announced Saturday night at the Downtown Athletic Club in New York City. Three underclassmen, Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa, Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray and Ohio State QB Dwayne Haskins will hoist the most prestigious individual award in American sports. This year the winner will have to prevail in what is expected to be one of the closest voting in the history of the award.

The difference between first and second place finalists has been huge in recent years. It has only been below 300 total points  twice in the past decade. In 2011, Robert Griffin III topped Andrew Luck 1,687-1,407 while in 2015 Derrick Henry edged Christian McCaffrey 1,832-1,539.

All three QB finalists this year produced historic seasons and were instrumental in their schools earning and winning major conference championships.

Frank Coyle’s vote
(Frank Coyle has been a voter in the Heisman Trophy for over 25 years)

1 QB Tua Tagovailoa – Alabama
2 QB Kyler Murray – Oklahoma
3 QB Dwayne Haskins – Ohio St

2018 Season

Tua Tagovailoa – Alabama
Passing
Yards   TD        Int         Comp% QBR
3353     37         4          67.7      94.2

Rushing
Yards   TD        YPC
190       5          4.0
Kyler Murray – Oklahoma
Passing
Yards   TD        Int   Comp%      QBR
4053     40         7          70.9      96.0

Rushing
YDS     TD        YPC
892       11         7.3

Dwayne Haskins
Passing
Yards   TD        Int         Comp% QBR
4580     47         8          70.2      86.9

Rushing
Yards   TDs      YPC
122       4          1.7

Heisman Memorial Trophy Winners
Year   Player            School
2017     Baker Mayfield  Oklahoma
2016     Lamar Jackson Louisville
2015     Derrick Henry    Alabama
2014     Marcus Mariota Oregon
2013     Jameis Winston Florida State
2012     Johnny Manziel Texas A&M
2011     Robert Griffin III Baylor
2010     Cam Newton     Auburn
2009     Mark Ingram II   Alabama
2008     Sam Bradford   Oklahoma
2007     Tim Tebow        Florida
2006     Troy Smith        Ohio State
2004     Matt Leinart       USC
2003     Jason White      Oklahoma
2002     Carson Palmer  USC
2001     Eric Crouch       Nebraska
2000     Chris Weinke     Florida State
1999     Ron Dayne        Wisconsin
1998     Ricky Williams   Texas
1997     Charles Woodson         Michigan
1996     Danny Wuerffel Florida
1995     Eddie George    Ohio State
1994     Rashaan Salaam           Colorado
1993     Charlie Ward     Florida State
1992     Gino Torretta     Miami
1991     Desmond Howard          Michigan
1990     Ty Detmer         BYU
1989     Andre Ware       Houston
1988     Barry Sanders   Oklahoma State
1987     Tim Brown        Notre Dame

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 25 years.

College Football Awards 2018 – SEC Dominates Award Winners

Heisman Trophy Winner will be announced on Sat, Dec. 8^th on ESPN at 8 pm
QBs, Tua Tagovailoa, Kyler Murray and Dwayne Haskins are Heisman Trophy Finalists

Maxwell Award
Outstanding Player
2018     Tua Tagovailoa Alabama
2017     Baker Mayfield  Oklahoma
2016     Lamar Jackson Louisville

Walter Camp Award
Player of the Year Award
2018     Tua Tagovailoa Alabama
2017     Baker Mayfield  Oklahoma
2016     Lamar Jackson Louisville

Doak Walker Award
National Running Back Award
2018     Jonathan Taylor            Wisconsin
2017     Bryce Love       Stanford
2016     D’Onta Foreman            Texas

Davey O’Brien Award
National Quarterback Award
2018     Kyler Murray      Oklahoma
2017     Baker Mayfield    Oklahoma
2016     Deshaun Watson           Clemson

Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award
Outstanding Senior QB
2018     Gardner Minshew          WSU
2017     Mason Rudolph Oklahoma St
2016     Deshaun Watson           Clemson

Fred Biletnikoff Award
Outstanding Receiver
2018     Jerry Jeudy       Alabama
2017     James Washington        Oklahoma St
2016     Dede Westbrook           Oklahoma

John Mackey Award
Outstanding Tight End
2018     T.J. Hockenson Iowa
2017     Mark Andrews   Oklahoma
2016     Jake Butt          Michigan

Outland Trophy
Outstanding Interior Lineman
2018     Quinnen Williams          Alabama
2017     Ed Oliver           Houston
2016     Cam Robinson  Alabama

Lombardi Award
Nation’s Top Player
Announcement this weekend
2017     Bryce Love       Stanford
2016     Jonathan Allen  Alabama
2015     Carl Nassib       PSU

Rimington Trophy
Outstanding Center
2018     Garrett Bradbury           N.C. St
2017     Billy Price          OSU
2016     Pat Elflein         OSU

Chuck Bednarik Award
Defensive Player of the Year
2018     Josh Allen         UK
2017     Minkah Fitzpatrick         Alabama
2016     Jonathan Allen  Alabama

Bronko Nagurski Award
Defensive Player of the Year
2018     Josh Allen         UK
2017     Bradley Chubb  N.C. ST
2016     Jonathan Allen  Alabama

Dick Butkus Award
Outstanding Linebacker
2018     Devin White      LSU
2017     Roquan Smith   Georgia
2016     Reuben Foster  Alabama

Jim Thorpe Award
Outstanding Defensive Back
2018     Deandre Baker  Georgia
2017     Minkah Fitzpatrick         Alabama
2016     Adoree’ Jackson           USC

Lou Groza Award
Collegiate Place-kicker Award
2018     Andre Szmyt     Syracuse
2017     Matt Gay           Utah
2016     Zane Gonzalez  ASU

Ray Guy Award
Outstanding Punter
2018     Braden Mann    Texas A&M
2017     Michael Dickson           Texas
2016     Mitch Wishnowsky         Utah

Ted Hendricks Award
Defensive End of the Year Award
2018     Clelin Ferrell      Clemson
2017     Bradley Chubb  N.C. ST
2016     Jonathan Allen  Alabama

Campbell Trophy
Top-scholar Athlete
2018     Christian Wilkins            Clemson
2017     Micah Kiser       Virginia
2016     Zach Terrell       WMU

The Home Depot Award
Coach of the Year
2018     Brian Kelly        ND
2017     Scott Frost        UCF
2016     Mike MacIntyre  Colorado

Frank Broyles Award
Assistant Coach of the Year
2018     Mike Anthony Locksley  Maryland
2017     Tony Elliott       Clemson
2016     Brent Venables   Clemson

Lott IMPACT Trophy
Outstanding Defensive Player
2017     Josey Jewell     Iowa
2016     Jabrill Peppers  Michigan
2015     Carl Nassib       PSU

Paul Hornung Award
Most Versatile Player
2018     Rondale Moore Purdue
2017     Saquon Barkley PSU
2016     Jabrill Peppers  Michigan

Disney Spirit Award
Most Inspirational Player or Team
2018     Tyler Trent         Purdue
2017     Iowa     Iowa
2016     James Conner   Pittsburgh

Wuerffel Trophy
Top Community Servant of the Year
2018     Drue Tranquill    ND
2017     Courtney Love  UK
2016     Trevor Knight    Texas A&M

Frank Coyle is a long time scout with nationwide ties with coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a long time member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 20 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites

Kentucky’s Josh Allen Wins 2018 Bronko Nagurski Trophy

Linebacker is Wildcat’s first major award winner since 1950

FWAA – Kentucky linebacker Josh Allen was named the recipient of the 2018 Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Monday night before a sold-out banquet crowd of 1,200 at the Charlotte Convention Center. Allen, a 6-foot-5, 260-pound linebacker from Montclair, N.J., accepted the award given to the best defensive player in college football and becomes Kentucky’s first major award winner since Bob Gain won the Outland Trophy in 1950.

The FWAA All-America Committee made Allen the selection as this year’s Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner. Allen was selected from a list of finalists that included Michigan linebacker Devin Bush, LSU safety Grant Delpit, Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and Alabama nose guard Quinnen Williams.

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards.

Frank Coyle voted for LB Josh Allen of Kentucky this year.

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The senior has been one of the nation’s top pass rushers all season with 14 sacks in the 2018 season that led the Southeastern Conference and are third in the nation, to go with SEC-best marks of 18.5 tackles for loss and five forced fumbles. His 14 sacks are the single-season record at Kentucky, as are his 28.5 career sacks heading into the Wildcats’ VRBO Citrus Bowl appearance on Jan. 1.

Allen has 11 career forced fumbles, which ties former Wildcat and current Chicago Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan for the Wildcats’ career mark. His defensive numbers improved as the games wore on – 12 of his 14 sacks have come in the second half, with eight of those 12 in the fourth quarter. He clinched two of Kentucky’s nine wins this season with a sack that caused a fumble that the Wildcats recovered on their opponents’ final possession. In addition, those 14 sacks have been drive-breakers for opponents. Of the 14 drives in which Allen registered a sack, opponents ran 81 plays for just 211 yards of total offense, or 2.6 yards per play. The 14 drives combined resulted in no points, eight punts and four turnovers.

Allen was the SEC Defensive Player of the Week four times this season and posted double-figure tackles in three games. On the season, Allen has 84 total tackles, six quarterback hurries, four pass breakups and two fumble recoveries.

“Just the way he impacts the game being a big guy, he’s really remarkable,” Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops said following a Nov. 17 win over Middle Tennessee. “He’s so unselfish. You see players so often in situations like that (trying to make a play), and he won’t blink an eye if we’re not rushing him. He doesn’t even think about it. When he gets his opportunities, he’s going to go. He wanted the (school sack) record, but not at the expense of our defense and what we’re doing and game planning.”

Allen was an all-state wide receiver for Abbeville (Ala.) High School as a junior before moving back to his hometown of Montclair, N.J., and switching to linebacker for his senior season. He bulked up by 40 pounds upon arriving at Kentucky. He has a fraternal twin brother Isaiah, and a sister, Myisha Hines-Allen, who played college basketball at Louisville and is currently a forward for the WNBA’s Washington Mystics.

The FWAA has chosen a National Defensive Player of the Year since 1993. In 1995, the FWAA joined with the Charlotte Touchdown Club and named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football then became a star for professional football’s Chicago Bears in the 1930s. Bronislaw “Bronko” Nagurski is a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses college football’s most prestigious awards. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA and its 24 awards now boast over 800 recipients, dating to 1935. Visit ncfaa.org to learn more about our story.

The Football Writers Association of America, founded in 1941, consists of 1,300 men and women who cover college football. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game-day operations, major awards and its annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its award programs, contact Steve Richardson at tiger@fwaa.com.

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for over 25 years.

Walter Payton FCS Award Finalists

The list of finalists for the 2018 STATS FCS Walter Payton Award was released recently. STATS named 25 finalists for this prestigious award. The annual Walter Payton Award is given to the Offensive Player of the Year in the FCS. A national panel of over 150 sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries will select the winner following the regular season.

The Payton Award, first presented in 1987, has watched past winners such as Steve McNair, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook, John Friesz, Brian Finneran, Jimmy Garoppolo and Cooper Kupp move on to the NFL.

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The bust was named in honor of the late National Football League (NFL) legend Walter Payton, who starred at Jackson State University in the early 1970s.

Among the many schools in the division, only nine have claimed more than one award, and only seven have had more than one player win the award. Eastern Washington and Villanova had three players win the award, and five have had two players win: Colgate, Georgia Southern, Idaho, New Hampshire, and Eastern Illinois. Two players have won the award twice, with both being the only players from their institutions to win. In 2009, Armanti Edwards from Appalachian St became the first to receive the award twice, followed in 2017 by Jeremiah Briscoe from Sam Houston St.

Both the Walter Payton award and the FCS’ top defensive player, the Buck Buchanan Award will be honored at the STATS FCS Awards Banquet, which is held in Frisco, Texas, on the night before the FCS National Championship Game.

Walter Payton Award Finalists
FCS Offensive Player of the Year

Tyrie Adams, QB, Jr. – Western Carolina
Michael Bandy, WR, Jr. – San Diego
Chandler Burks, QB, Sr. – Kennesaw State
Taryn Christion, QB, Sr. – South Dakota State
Ra’Quanne Dickens, RB, Sr. – Incarnate Word
Keelan Doss, WR, Sr. – UC Davis
Tom Flacco, QB, Jr. – Towson
Ryan Fulse, RB, Sr. – Wagner
A.J. Hines, RB, Jr. – Duquesne
Devlin Hodges, QB, Sr. – Samford
James Holland Jr., RB, Sr. – Colgate
Alexander Hollins, WR, Sr. – Eastern Illinois
Noah Johnson, QB, Jr. – Alcorn State
Anthony Lawrence, QB, Sr. – San Diego
John Lovett, QB, Sr. – Princeton
Jake Maier, QB, Jr. – UC Davis
Kelvin McKnight, WR, Sr. – Samford
Caylin Newton, QB, So. – Howard
Donald Parham, TE, Sr. – Stetson
Joh Pearson, WR, Jr. – Jacksonville State
Joe Protheroe, FB, Sr. – Cal Poly
James Robinson, RB, Jr. – Illinois State
Easton Stick, QB, Sr. – North Dakota State
Marquis Terry, RB, Sr. – Southeast Missouri
Reggie White Jr., WR, Sr. – Monmouth

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Maxwell Award, Chuck Bednarik, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for over 25 years.

The 2018 Maxwell and Chuck Bednarik Award Finalists Announced

Maxwell Football Club President, Mark Dianno, announced the 2018 finalists for the 82nd Maxwell Award for the Collegiate Player of the Year and the 24th Chuck Bednarik Award for the Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year

The respective lists include a field of three candidates for each of these awards as determined by the semifinalist voting process which ended Nov. 18

Visit Web Site  www.maxwellfootballclub.org

Finalists listed in alphabetical order by player’s school with position and class designated

2018 Maxwell Award Finalists
Tua Tagovailoa     Alabama            Quarterback     Sophomore
Kyler Murray        Oklahoma          Quarterback     Junior
Will Grier              West Virginia    Quarterback    Senior

2018 Chuck Bednarik Award Finalists
Quinnen Williams     Alabama     Defensive Line     (R) Soph
Christian Wilkins     Clemson      Defensive Line     Senior
Josh Allen                   Kentucky     Linebacker           Senior

Tagovailoa has led the No. 1 ranked Crimson Tide to an 11-0 (7-0 SEC) record and an SEC West division championship this fall. He has authored one of the most prolific seasons by a quarterback in recent history throwing for 2865 yards and 31 touchdowns while only throwing 2 interceptions. He added 4 rushing touchdowns and has a quarterback rating of 212.22. He will lead the Tide against Auburn in the Iron Bowl on Saturday.

Murray has completed 72 percent of his passes, going 213-of-296 for 3,212 yards with 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He’s also rushed for 846 yards and 10 touchdowns while leading the Sooners to a 10-1 record and a No. 6 national ranking. He is arguably the most dangerous dual-threat quarterback in college football this season.

Grier has led the Mountaineers to an 8-2 (6-2 Big XII) record and a No. 12 national ranking. He has passed for 3325 yards and 33 touchdowns and also scored twice on the ground. He will finish his regular season this Friday when Oklahoma visits Morgantown for a Big 12 Conference clash.

Williams has been one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the country this season. He has 6 sacks for 35 yards in losses, 55 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 9 quarterback hurries and 1 pass breakup. He regularly forces offenses to account for him with 2 or 3 blockers and generally wreaks havoc in the middle of the line.

Allen cemented his legacy as one of the all-time great linebackers at Kentucky when he broke the school’s sack record last Saturday. The 6’5 senior has notched 80 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks for minus 84 yards. He also has 5 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 5 quarterback hurries.

Wilkins has been a fixture on Clemson’s defensive line for the past 3 seasons and is a player who offenses have to account for on every snap. Wilkins has registered 40 tackles (10.5 for loss), 10 quarterback pressures, 3.0 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He spearheads a Clemson defense that ranks among the national leaders in almost every major statistical category.

Last season, the Maxwell Award went to Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Chuck Bednarik Award was presented to Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick. Mayfield was the overall No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft and is now the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. Fitzpatrick was also a 1st round pick and is a starter in the secondary for the Miami Dolphins.

The winners of the 82nd Maxwell Award and the 24th Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 6, 2018. The formal presentation of these awards will be made at the Maxwell Football Club’s Awards Gala which will be held at the Tropicana Casino Resort in Atlantic City, NJ on Friday March 8, 2019.

Voting for both of the collegiate awards presented by the Maxwell Football Club will begin on Wednesday, November 21st and close on Sunday December 2nd. Eligible voters include Maxwell Football Club members, NCAA Head Football Coaches, Sports Information Directors and selected national media

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Maxwell Award, Chuck Bednarik, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for over 25 years.