3 more Cougars named to preseason award watch lists


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PROVO — BYU linebacker Alani Fua and safety Craig Bills were both named to the 2014 Bronko Nagurski Preseason Watch List on Thursday. The Bronko Nagurski Award is given to the most outstanding defensive player in college football.

Fua, who is also on the watch list for the CFPA Linebacker Trophy, enters his senior season with 5.0 career-sacks, 82 tackles (63 in 2013) and three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. The 6-foot 5-inch, 228-pound Fua has been a durable player for BYU, playing in 34 out of a possible 39 games while in Provo.

The 6-foot 1-inch Bills is coming off an impressive junior season which included 78 tackles and two interceptions. In 2014, the senior from Provo is expected to be one of the anchors of a very deep and talented secondary.

Also on Thursday, Cougar senior Michael Yeck was named to the 2014 Outland Trophy Watch List, given to the nation’s best interior lineman. Yeck, also a senior, started all 13 games for BYU in 2013.

The winner of the Bronko Nagurski Award will be announced on Dec. 8; the Outland Trophy winner will be announced on Dec. 11.

BYU Football Players on 2014 College Football Award Watch Lists

PlayerPositionAwardRecognitionNo. of nomineesSemifinalistsFinalistsWinnerSponsoring Organization
Taysom HillQBMaxwell Award*College Player of the Year76Nov.3Nov. 24Dec.11Maxwell Football Club
Taysom HillQBCFPA Quarterback TrophyQB of the Year40Jan. 14, 2015College Football Performance Awards
Jamaal WilliamsRBMaxwell Award*College Player of the Year76Nov.3Nov.24Dec.11Maxwell Football Club
Jamaal WilliamsRBCFPA Running Back TrophyRB of the Year40Jan. 14, 2015College Football Performance Awards
Alani FuaLBCFPA Linebacker TrophyLB of the Year40Jan. 14, 2015College Football Performance Awards
Alani FuaLBBronko Nagurski Award*Nation's Best Defensive Player81Nov. 20Dec. 8Charlotte Touchdown Club
Craig BillsDBBronko Nagurski Award*Nation's Best Defensive Player81Nov. 20Dec. 8Charlotte Touchdown Club
Devin MahinaTEJohn Mackey Award*Nation's Outstanding Tight End38Nov. 17Nov. 24Dec.10Friends of John Mackey, Inc.
Edward FusiCRimington Trophy*Nation's Premier Center66Dec. 8Dec. 11Boomer Esiason Foundation
Michael YeckOTOutland Trophy*Best Interior Lineman64Nov. 20Nov. 24Dec. 11Football Writers Association of America

* Award sanctioned by the National College Football Awards Association

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