Nevada’s Carson Strong, Romeo Doubs make preseason Maxwell Award watch list

Watch list season is upon us!

Nevada’s Carson Strong and Romeo Doubs made preseason watch lists for the Maxwell Award, annually given to the nation’s best player, it was announced Monday.

It marks Strong’s second consecutive season named to the Maxwell Award’s preseason watch list, which was given to Heisman Trophy winner, Alabama’s Devonta Smith, in 2020.

Strong emerged onto the scene as one of the Mountain West’s best players last season. Winning the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year award, he put together conference-highs in passing yards (2,858), touchdowns (27), completion percentage (70.1) and pass efficiency rating (160.6).

Strong’s success ultimately led to Doubs’ success, tallying the conference’s only 1,000-yard season (1,002). He also led the Mountain West in receptions with 58 along with tying teammate Cole Turner for the conference lead in receiving touchdowns with nine. Doubs began the year with five straight 115-yard performances with at least one touchdown tied into them.

Strong and Doubs were two of seven Mountain West players who were named to the list — joining Fresno State’s Ronnie Rivers, Boise State’s Khalil Shakir, Wyoming’s Xazavian Valladay, San Diego State’s Greg Bell and San Jose State’s Nick Starkel.

The duo made preseason All-Mountain West first team honors for Pro Football Focus, Athlon Sports and Phil Steele.