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The preseason awards watch lists have begun this week, which means only one thing: college football is right around the corner. Will a Mountain West player bring home one of these national awards for the first time ever?
Two Boise State candidates for national awards
Brett Rypien was named to the Maxwell Award watch list, which is given to the nation’s top player. This is the third time he has been a preseason candidate for the Maxwell. Cornerback Tyler Horton made the list for the Bednarik Award, given to the nation’s top defensive player. Rypien is also on the Davey O’Brien list as a candidate for the nation’s top quarterback.
Wolfpack duo also make the cut
Not to be outdone, Nevada also has one player on each the Maxwell and Bednarik watch lists. Quarterback Ty Gangi is a Maxwell candidate after throwing for 2746 yards and 25 touchdowns last season. Malik Reed made the All-Mountain West first team last season, and will begin 2018 as a Bednarik candidate.
Pokes on Bednarik list
Safety Andrew Wingard and end Carl Granderson of Wyoming’s defense both made the Bednarik watch list. Both players were major contributors to Wyoming’s strong defense last season, and look to have one of the best in the conference this year.
Two Bulldogs named to lists
Quarterback Marcus McMaryion and linebacker Jeffrey Allison hope to lead Fresno State back to the Mountain West championship game after winning the West Division in 2017. They were named to the Maxwell Award and Bednarik Award lists, respectively, earlier this week.
Next man up
Juwan Washington will try to fill the enormous shoes of Rashaad Penny who is off to the NFL this season. The Maxwell Football Club thinks he’ll be up to the task as they named Washington to its Maxwell Award watch list.
From freshman of the year to Maxwell candidate
Armani Rogers was named the Mountain West freshman of the year last year. This season he’s one of just 13 sophomores on the Maxwell Award watch list. The young quarterback has an exciting career ahead of him.
On the horizon:
- Later today: Doug takes a look at which teams have the best position groups in the MWC
- Friday: The MWC Roundtable discusses who has the best defense in the conference.
- Friday: A new Friday Night Lights post.