Which Boise State standouts are on 2019 college football watch lists?
The 2019 watch list season is in full swing.
Part of the annual buildup to college football’s opening weekend is the release of these extensive watch lists, and there are a number of Broncos who are recognized each year.
While a shout-out at the national level provides a bit of validation for one of the most consistent Group of Five teams in the country, the best form of validation for the 2019 Broncos will come game time.
Below is a list of the Broncos receiving preseason recognition ahead of BSU’s opener Saturday, Aug. 31, against Florida State at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida (5 p.m. MT, ESPN).
Lott IMPACT Trophy
What: This award is given annually to an individual who demonstrates excellence in the field of athletics and recognizes college football’s Defensive Player of the Year who best exemplifies the IMPACT acronym: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.
Who: Curtis Weaver, redshirt junior, STUD
Bednarik Award
What: The College Defensive Player of the Year Award is named in honor of Chuck Bednarik, College and Pro Football Hall of Famer.
Who: Curtis Weaver, redshirt junior, STUD
John Mackey Award
What: This award is given annually to the most outstanding collegiate tight end. It is named in honor of NFL Hall of Fame member John Mackey, who is considered to be the best to have played the tight end position.
Who: John Bates, redshirt junior, tight end
Rimington Trophy
What: The award is presented annually to the most outstanding center in NCAA Division I college football. Dave Rimington, the award’s namesake, was a consensus first-team All-American center at Nebraska in 1981 and 1982.
Who: Garrett Larson, redshirt senior, center
AFCA Allstate Good Hands Team
What: An annual award given to college football players for the impact they make off the field. Eleven players from the FBS will be recognized.
Who: Kole Bailey, redshirt junior, offensive line
Bronko Nagurski Trophy
What: Created in 1993 by the Football Writers Association of America, this award goes to the best defensive player in college football. It is named for Bronko Nagurski, who played football for the University of Minnesota and the Chicago Bears.
Who: Curtis Weaver, redshirt junior, STUD
Outland Trophy
What: Presented to the nation’s most outstanding interior lineman by the Football Writers Association of America.
Who: Ezra Cleveland, redshirt junior, left tackle; John Molchon, redshirt senior, left guard
Dodd Trophy
What: Coach of the Year award established in 1976. Factors in a program’s academics and community service.
Who: Coach Bryan Harsin
Paul Hornung Award
What: 10th annual award for college football’s most versatile player
Who: Avery Williams, redshirt junior, cornerback, punt returner and kickoff returner
Wuerffel Trophy
What: Given to an FBS player who combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement
Who: Kole Bailey, redshirt junior, offensive lineman
Polynesian Player of Year
What: The award is presented annually to the most outstanding Polynesian college football player that epitomizes great ability and integrity. The 2019 watch list is composed of 62 players from 32 FBS schools.
Who: David Moa, redshirt senior, defensive tackle; Sonatane Lui, senior, nose tackle; Kekoa Nawahine, senior, safety; Kekaula Kaniho, junior, nickel
Ted Hendricks Award
What: The award goes to the top defensive end in college football and is named in honor of University of Miami three-time All-American and NFL Hall of Famer Ted Hendricks.
Who: Curtis Weaver, redshirt junior, STUD
William V. Campbell Trophy
What: The award recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership.
Who: Matt Locher, redshirt senior, defensive tackle
FWAA Freshman All-America Team
What: This list comprises the top freshman performers in the FBS.
Who: Hank Bachmeier, freshman, quarterback
Shaun Alexander/Stand Together Freshman of the Year
What: This award recognizes the next generation of leaders on and off the field and is named after former Alabama and NFL star Shaun Alexander.
Who: Hank Bachmeier, freshman, quarterback
Paul “Bear” Bryant Award
What: This award recognizes the top college football coaches in the country for their contributions on and off the field.
Who: Coach Bryan Harsin
This story was originally published July 17, 2019 at 2:53 PM.
