Oregon will open its 2012 season with four players up for two of college football's biggest individual awards.
Ducks Kenjon Barner, De'Anthony Thomas, Dion Jordan and John Boyett were recognized on Monday when the Maxwell Football Club released its watch lists for the Maxwell Award and the Bednarik Award.
The Maxwell Award, named after sportswriter Robert W. "Tiny" Maxwell, recognizes college football's outstanding player. Barner, a senior who'll enter the season as the Ducks' starting running back, and Thomas, a sophomore running back who does a lot of damage in the passing and return games, are up for that award.
Jordan, a senior defensive end, and Boyett, a senior safety, are on the watch list for the Bednarik Award, named after former Penn and Philadelphia Eagles star Chuck Bednarik and given each year to the nation's top defensive player.
Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck won the Maxwell Award in 2011, and LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu received the Bednarik Award.
Here's a look at all the Pac-12 Conference players who are on each watch list:
2012 Maxwell Award Watch List
Pac-12 Conference Players
- Cameron Marshall, RB, Arizona State
- Keenan Allen, WR, California
- Isi Sofele, RB, California
- Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon
- De'Anthony Thomas, RB, Oregon
- Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford
- Johnathan Franklin, RB, UCLA
- Matt Barkley, QB, USC
- Robert Woods, WR, USC
- Marqise Lee, WR, USC
- Curtis McNeal, RB, USC
- John White IV, RB, Utah
- Keith Price, QB, Washington
- Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State
2012 Bednarik Award Watch List
Pac-12 Conference Players
- John Boyett, S, Oregon
- Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
- Jordan Poyer, CB Oregon State
- Shayne Skov, LB, Stanford
- Chase Thomas, LB, Stanford
- Dion Bailey, LB, USC
- T.J. McDonald, S, USC
- Nickell Robey, CB, USC
- Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
Sources:
Maxwell football club announces Maxwell, Bednarik watch lists
Four Ducks make preseason watch lists for prestigious awards
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Adam Sparks has been following Oregon Ducks football since 1990, and has written about the team as a freelancer since 2009.
