CFB: Preseason watch lists loaded with state, local talent
Alabama’s John Metchie was among several Alabama players named to preseason watch lists this summer (Unv. Alabama Media Relations)
By TIM GAYLE
Thirty-six players from schools in this state and four more from high schools in Alabama were named to at least one of the preseason National College Football Awards watch lists that wrapped up on Friday with the watch list for the Walter Camp Award presented annually to college football’s top player.
Only 35 players were listed by the Walter Camp Football Foundation, including 25 offensive players (13 quarterbacks, eight running backs and four receivers) and 10 defensive players. Alabama receiver John Metchie, Crimson Tide linebacker Will Anderson and Auburn running back Tank Bigsby were on the exclusive list.
The watch list will be narrowed to 10 semifinalists in mid-November and the winner will be announced live on the College Football Awards Show on ESPN on Dec. 9.
Last year, Heisman Trophy winner and Alabama receiver DeVonta Smith won the award, one of five awards snared by the Crimson Tide’s senior wide receiver. In addition to the Heisman Trophy and the Walter Camp Award, Smith won the Maxwell Award presented to the nation’s top player; the Paul Hornung Award, presented to the nation’s most versatile player; and the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s top receiver.
The announcement of the Walter Camp Award preseason watch list concluded a two-week run of preseason watch lists from 16 different college football awards that are presented at the end of the college football season.
Metchie was also listed on watch lists for the Maxwell Award and the Biletnikoff, while Anderson was listed for the Bednarik and Bronko Nagurski awards (best defensive player) and the Butkus (linebacker) Award.
Other Alabama players who received national recognition on the preseason watch lists were cornerback Josh Jobe, Bednarik, Nagurski and Jim Thorpe (defensive back) awards; tailback Brian Robinson (Maxwell and Doak Walker (running back) awards; tight end Jahleel Billingsley, Mackey Award (tight end); safety Jordan Battle, Jim Thorpe Award; linebacker Christopher Allen, Butkus Award; linebacker Christian Harris, Butkus and Nagurski awards; defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis, Outland Trophy (best lineman) and Nagurski; offensive tackle Evan Neal, Outland Trophy; safety Malachi Moore and defensive tackle DJ Dale, Nagurski; kicker Will Reichard, Lou Groza Award (kicker); and offensive lineman Chris Owens, Wuerffel Trophy (off-the-field accomplishments).
Bigsby was also listed on watch lists for the Maxwell, Doak Walker and Paul Hornung (versatility) awards, one of seven Tigers receiving preseason recognition.
Other Auburn players on the preseason watch lists included linebacker Zakoby McClain, Bednarik, Butkus and Nagurski awards; quarterback Bo Nix, Maxwell Award; tight end John Samuel Shenker, Mackey Award; center Nick Brahms, Rimington Trophy (best center), Outland and Wuerffel awards; safety Smoke Monday, Jim Thorpe and Nagurski awards; and Anders Carlson, Lou Groza Award.
Fifteen additional in-state players were recognized, including UAB linebacker Kris Moll, Bednarik and Nagurski; running back DeWayne McBride, Doak Walker; tight end Hayden Pittman, Mackey; offensive tackle Colby Ragland, Outland and Wuerffel; offensive tackle Sidney Wells, Outland; kicker Matt Quinn, Lou Groza; punter Kyle Greenwell, Ray Guy Award (best punter); and Jermaine Brown, Hornung.
Troy players recognized on preseason watch lists included linebacker Carlton Martial, Bednarik, Butkus and Nagurski; running back Kimani Vidal, Doak Walker; center Dylan Bradshaw, Rimington; defensive tackle Will Choloh, Outland and Nagurski; and receiver Luke Whittemore, Wuerffel.
South Alabama players recognized include receiver Jalen Tolbert, Maxwell and Biletnikoff; punter Jack Brooks, Ray Guy; and defensive back Keith Gallmon, Wuerffel.
Former Park Crossing quarterback Malik Cunningham, now at Louisville, was on the Maxwell watch list and the Davey O’Brien watch list. Cunningham was joined on the Maxwell list by former Thompson (and former Alabama) quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, now at Maryland, and on the Davey O’Brien list by former Auburn quarterback Malik Willis, now at Liberty.
The Butkus Award also has a high school preseason watch list as well. Catholic linebacker TJ Dudley, an Oregon commitment, is on the list along with Williamson linebacker Robert Woodyard.