CFB award watchlists: BYU's Pili, Utah's Phillips each land Bednarik nomination

By KSL.com Sports | Updated - Aug. 1, 2022 at 8:36 a.m. | Posted - July 18, 2022 at 10:29 a.m.

Estimated read time: Less than a minute

SALT LAKE CITY — The college football season is around the corner, and with that comes the release of the various preseason watchlists for the numerous awards given to players and coaches in the sports.

The preseason watchlists are released over a two-week period (OK, technically just over two weeks), beginning with the Maxwell Award on July 18 and going through Aug. 1. A full schedule is found below.

July 18: Maxwell Award
July 19: Davey O'Brien Award
July 20: Doak Walker Award
July 21: Biletnikoff Award
July 22: John Mackey Award & Rimington Trophy
July 25: Butkus Award & Paycom Jim Thorpe Award
July 26: Bronko Nagurski Trophy & Outland Trophy
July 27: Lou Groza Award & Ray Guy Award
July 28: Paul Hornung Award & Wuerffel Trophy
July 29: Walter Camp Award
Aug. 1: Bednarik Award

The following is a comprehensive list of the players from BYU, Utah and Utah State that have been named to the various awards. This will be updated each day that a local athlete is named to one of the watchlists.

Monday, 03:04 pm

Barrington, Freeland, Daniels named to Rotari Lombardi watch list

BYU teammates Blake Freeland and Clark Barrington, as well as Utah tackle Braeden Daniels, were named to the 78-player watch list for the 2022 Rotari Lombardi Trophy, the Rotary Club of Houston announced Monday. Oregon linebacker Noah Sewell, who prepped at Orem High, is also among the nominees, all of whom must have played in at least one game a year ago. The Rotary Lombardi Award is given annually to the college football offensive or defensive lineman who, in addition to outstanding performance and ability, "best exemplifies the character and discipline of NFL Hall of Fame head coach Vince Lombardi," according to a news release. The following requirements are also mandated for all nominees:

be a down Lineman, end to end, either on offense or defense, setting up no further than 10 yards to the left or right of the ball at the time of the snap

be a linebacker on defense, setting up no further than five yards deep from the line of scrimmage

must not come out of the offensive backfield and set up on the line of scrimmage as a blocker or a receiver or listed in the program as an offensive back or receiver

be eligible to participate in the current season

Semifinalists for the award will be announced Nov. 10 before four finalists are determined Nov. 23. The award will be given at the annual awards ceremony Dec. 7.

Monday, 08:25 am

Keenan Pili, Clark Phillips II named to Bednarik Awarch watch list

Two local players wrapped up #WatchlistSZN with the unveiling of the 28th annual Chuck Bednarik Award by the Maxwell Football Club on Monday.BYU linebacker Keenan Pili and Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III were among the 90 players named to the watchlist presented annually to the most outstanding defensive player in college football.Pili, a 6-foot-3, 230-pound junior who prepped at Timpview High, started the first three games of the 2021 season at middle linebacker while leading the Cougars in tackles for a season-ending knee injury. The 2021 team captain racked up 31 tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery in that time, bringing his career total to 128 tackles in 24 games, an average of 5.3 tackles per game.The 5-foot-10, 183-pound Phillips has started every game since arriving at Utah, including an All-Pac-12 season in 2021 that included 63 tackles, 13 pass breakups, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. His 15 passes defended led the Pac-12, including 11 passes defended in conference play en route to the Utes' first Pac-12 championship and Rose Bowl berth.Noah Sewell, the former all-state linebacker at Orem High who plays collegiately at Oregon, was also among the watchlist nominees, as was Baylor defensive tackle Siaki "Apu" Ika, who prepped at East. The full list can be found online here.Semifinalists will be announced Nov. 1, with the winner taking part in the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show held Dec. 8.

CHUCK BEDNARIK AWARD WATCH LIST@KeenanPili7 x #BYUFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/fZ5j5ULhmG
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) August 1, 2022

Friday, 10:20 am

BYU's Jaren Hall, Utah's Tavion Thomas nominated for Walter Camp Player of the Year

BYU quarterback Jaren Hall and Utah running back Tavion Thomas were among the 50 players nominated to the preseason watchlist for the Walter Camp Player of the Year award, the fourth-oldest college football accolade in the nation.Hall is one of 19 quarterbacks named to the watch list, which also includes 42 offensive players and eight on defense. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound junior from Spanish Fork threw for 2,593 yards and 20 touchdowns a year ago to go along with 307 rushing yards and three touchdowns despite missing three games due to injury.He's also a candidate for the Davey O'Brien and Maxwell Awards given primarily to quarterbacks, and was voted the Pro Football Network All-Independent quarterback of the year and Phil Steele All-Independent first team a year ago.

𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐄 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑.@jarenhall3 🤝 @WalterCampFF pic.twitter.com/TBo4ROZosS
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) July 29, 2022

Thomas, who is also candidate for the Doak Walker and Maxwell awards, earned All-Pac-12 first-team honors in 2021 after leading the Utes with 1,108 yards and 21 touchdowns, the latter of which set a Utah single-season record and ranked third nationally.Oregon linebacker Noah Sewell was among the eight defensive players nominated for the award. The 6-foto-3, 251-pound tackler who prepped at Orem High totaled 114 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, six passes defended, an interception and two fumbles in 2021 for the Ducks, who went 10-4 with a Pac-12 North division title.The 2022 watch list will be narrowed to 10 semifinalists in November, with the winner announced on ESPN's College Football Awards show.

2022 @WalterCampFF Player of Year Watch Listhttps://t.co/yupOsyS7Uk

52 players. 40 different schools. 11 conferences (including independents) represented.@ncfaa

The @WalterCampFF will also recognize FBS Offensive & Defensive Players of Week for the 19th straight year! pic.twitter.com/wdPbDaPINp
— Walter Camp Football (@WalterCampFF) July 29, 2022

Wednesday, 10:13 am

BYU kicker Jake Oldroyd named to Lou Groza watchlist

BYU placekicker Jake Oldroyd was named to the Lou Groza Award preseason watchlist, which is awarded to the best placekicker in the country. This is the third time Oldroyd has been named to the preseason watchlist.The 6-foot-1, 195-pound kicker was a finalist for the award in 2020 after a perfect season of 13 made field goals on as many attempts and was 60 of 62 on point-after attempts.Last season, Oldroyd missed three games due to injury but made nine of 13 field goal attempts and 42 of 43 extra points.

LOU GROZA AWARD WATCH LIST@JakeOldroyd39 🤝 @LouGrozaAward pic.twitter.com/ycngySsiG5

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) July 27, 2022

Wednesday, 09:53 am

BYU's Rehkow, Aggies' Kotsanlee named to Ray Guy watchlist

BYU punter Ryan Rehkow and Utah State punter Stephen Kotsanlee were named to the Ray Guy Award preseason watchlist Thursday; the two are included on the list of 49 players from around the country.As a freshman last season, Rehkow recorded 40 total punts for an average of 48.6 yards per punt. Rehkow's average yards per punt put him as the fourth-best punter in the nation in 2021.

RAY GUY AWARD WATCH LIST@r_rehkow24 🤝 @RayGuyAward pic.twitter.com/laoahamvvm

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) July 27, 2022Korsanlee was the Aggies punter in all 14 games last season and recorded 53 total punts for an average of 42.5 yards per punt. That average was the ninth-best in Utah State history. Of his 53 punts, nine went 50 yards or more.

This GUY!

Congrats to @SKotsy17 on being named to the @RayGuyAward Watch List! #AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/0rP5B0A5C8

— USU Football (@USUFootball) July 27, 2022

Tuesday, 09:13 am

5 local linemen named to Outland Trophy watchlist

A total of five players from Utah schools were among the 89 players from 10 FBS conferences and independents on the watchlist for the prestigious Outland Trophy, the third-oldest major award in college football.Utah's Braeden Daniels leads the honorees after featuring in 35 games with 29 starts at left guard and left tackle for the Utes. The Carrollton, Texas native earned All-Pac-12 honors last year after starting all 14 games for Utah, which boasted the No. 1 rushing offense in the Pac-12 and ranked top-10 nationally in sacks allowed per game.Reigning Pac-12 freshman defensive player of the year Junior Tafuna also makes the cut a year after playing in all 13 games with 11 starts, racking up 33 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, a pass breakup and a fumble recovery.BYU's Clark Barrington, a two-year starter at left guard, was named a preseason All-American by four organizations. The 6-foot-6, 302-pound native of Spokane, Washington started all 13 games for BYU in 2021, earning third-team All-American honors by Pro Football Network for an offense that averaged 452 yards per game.Blake Freeland, a 6-foot-8, 305-pound left tackle from Herriman, also started all 13 games as a sophomore in 2021.

OUTLAND TROPHY WATCH LIST@FreelandBlake 🤜🤛 @ClarkBarrington pic.twitter.com/bCif6OhChY
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) July 26, 2022

Utah State's Alfred Edwards III represents the Aggies on the watch list, and is one of six players from the Mountain West named to the 89-man list. The 6-foot-7, 305-pound graduate senior started all 13 games at left tackle a year ago, recording 12 knockdowns in helping the Aggies to the Mountain West title.Baylor nose guard Siaki "Apu" Ika, the former East High star, also made Outland Trophy watchlist.The winner will be announced Dec. 8 at the Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN and an ensuing awards dinner in January.

Tuesday, 08:41 am

BYU's Wilgar, Utah's Phillips and Tafuna named to Bronko Nagurski Trophy watchlist

On Tuesday morning, three local athletes were included in the 85-man Bronko Nagurski Trophy watchlist, which is awarded to the best defensive player in the country.BYU linebacker Payton Wilgar and Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III and defensive lineman Junior Tafuna were included in the preseason honor.Wilgar and Phillips were named to the watchlist a day after being included in the Butkus Award preseason watchlist.

Monday, 12:42 pm

Utah's Bishop, Phillips land on Jim Thorpe Award watchlist

Utah sophomores Cole Bishop and Clark Phillips III were among the 35 watchlist honorees announced Monday by the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, the honor given annually to the nation's top defensive back based on on-field performance, athletic ability and character.Phillips has started in all 19 games he's been eligible to play since arriving at Utah, earning All-Pac-12 honors in 2021 with 63 tackles, 13 pass breakups, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. His 15 passes defended led the Pac-12, including 11 passes defended in conference play that led all freshmen.Bishop was a Pac-12 honorable mention a year ago after leading all freshmen on the team with 54 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks and five pass breakups. He played in 10 games as a freshman, including starting the last six with a career-best eight stops each against Oregon and Ohio State to end the season.The Jim Thorpe Award honors 35 of the nation's top defensive backs spread out among 10 conferences with one independent. Semifinalists will be announced in October, with three finalists selected in November to attend the Home Depot College Football Awards show on ESPN in December.

Monday, 12:24 pm

Trio of local linebackers named to Butkus Award watchlist

A trio of local linebackers were among the 51 linebackers named to the Butkus Award given to the nation's top linebacker annually, including two from BYU.Ben Bywater, a 6-foot-3, 235-pound sophomore from Olympus High, led the Cougars in 2021 with 102 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss in his first season as a starter, going on to register All-Independent Defensive Rookie of the Year honors from Pro Football Network.The finance major also posted a 3.86 GPA.

BUTKUS AWARD WATCH LIST@WilgarPayton 🤜🤛 Ben Bywater pic.twitter.com/x2figS3xIe
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) July 25, 2022

Payton Wilgar, a 6-foot-3, 235-pound junior who prepped at Dixie High in St. George, makes the Butkus Award watchlist for the second time since the 2021 season, when he was also named to the Bronco Nagurski Trophy watchlist. Wilgar, who missed the final three games of the season with injury, finished third on the team with 56 tackles, including 29 solo stops en route to a 10-3 record.Utah linebacker Mohamoud Diabate also made the cut of 51 watchlist candidates, made in honor of Butkus' No. 51 jersey. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound native of Auburn, Alabama, transferred from Florida in the spring of 2022, where he played in 37 games with 17 starts in three seasons, recording 176 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and six sacks.Also named to the award watch list was former Ridgeline High standout Levani Damuni. The 6-foot-2, 251-pound senior stopper at Stanford totaled 88 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks and a quarterback hurry a year ago for the Cardinal, when he started all 12 games at inside linebacker and made at least eight tackles in six games.Semifinalists for the award will be announced Oct. 31, finalists trimmed down Nov. 21, and the winner will be selected Dec. 7 to be honored during a televised event Jan. 21, 2023 on CBS Sports Network.

Mohamoud Diabate has been named to the Butkus Award Watchlist 🙌

Read: https://t.co/2tSYjsPPHn pic.twitter.com/4RyOg08F8N
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) July 25, 2022

Friday, 08:57 am

Utah's Dalton Kincaid, BYU's Isaac Rex named to Mackey Award watch list

Utah's Dalton Kincaid and BYU's Isaac Rex were among the preseason watch list honorees for the 2022 John Mackey Award, given annually by the Friends of John Mackey on behalf of the former Syracuse star and Baltimore Colts tight end.A veteran of 43 Division I football games, Kincaid, who transferred from San Diego after the 2019 season, saw time in all 14 games for the Utes last year with 13 starts. The 6-foot-4, 242-pound pass catcher from Las Vegas recorded 36 receptions for 510 yards and eight touchdowns, earning All-Pac-12 honorable mention during Utah's historic Rose Bowl campaign.Rex, the 6-foot-6, 247-pound pass catcher from San Clemente, California, caught 18 passes for 191 yards and three touchdowns a year ago after playing in 12 games. The son of former BYU star and All-American tight end Byron Rex, a former freshman All-American himself, suffered an excruciating ankle injury in the Cougars' regular-season finale against USC that required surgery and the placement of several pins to stabilize the extremity. Read the full list of watch list honorees here.

Friday, 08:20 am

BYU's Connor Pay up for nation's top center award

On the first Friday of #WatchlistSzn, the big boys received some love.BYU's Connor Pay was named to the watchlist for the 2022 Rimington Trophy, which works with Pro Football Focus to recognize the top 40 centers in college football en route to honoring the game's top center.The 6-foot-5, 312-pound sophomore from Lone Peak is one of seven underclassmen on the watchlist a year after anchoring the Cougars' offensive line that averaged 452 yards and 33 points per game.The line, which was honored by Pro Football Network as the offensive line of the year, allowed just 15 sacks all season, with Pay starting 10 of 13 games.Pay is the only center from Utah named to the Rimington Trophy watchlist and one of two independent players, joining Notre Dame's Jarett Patterson.

RIMINGTON TROPHY WATCH LIST@cpay70 🤝 @rimingtontrophy pic.twitter.com/5gnsQJuUM1
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) July 22, 2022

Thursday, 08:24 am

BYU's Puka Nacua named to Biletnikoff Award watchlist

Puka Nacua is catching 👀 again.The former Orem High star and BYU receiver was named to the Biletnikoff Award watchlist Thursday, as announced by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation.The 6-foot-2, 205-pound junior led BYU in receiving yards last year with 805 yards on 18.7 yards per catch and six touchdowns after missing the 2021 season opener due to injury. He was second on the team in all-purpose yardage with 953 (79.4 per game) and had four games with over 100 receiving yards — South Florida (102), Baylor (168), Virginia (107) and Idaho State (120).The award, which recognizes college football's most outstanding pass catcher in the Football Bowl Subdivision regardless of position, will be presented March 3, 2023 at the Biletnikoff Award banquet and celebration at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida.

BILETNIKOFF AWARD WATCH LIST@AsapPuka 🤝 @biletnikoffawrd pic.twitter.com/Acv6DoOIHD
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) July 21, 2022

Wednesday, 09:15 am

Utah's Tavion Thomas, Utah State's Calvin Tyler Jr. named to Doak Walker watchlist

On Wednesday, it was all about the running backs. Two local players — Utah's Tavion Thomas and Utah State's Calvin Tyler Jr. — were added to the Doak Walker Award preseason watchlist.After a stint in the JUCO ranks and receiving few offers after a unheralded season at Cincinnati, Thomas, a Dayton, Ohio, native came to Utah in hopes of another chance to play football at a high level. His was an up-and-down season, but one filled with promise.Thomas battled some early fumbles, but went on to finish the 2021 season as the all-time leader in rushing touchdowns in a season. The running back looks to do it again with Utah in the program's pursuit of another Pac-12 championship.

Another for @thiagoothomas9 ‼️

Read: https://t.co/oGebvhPqkO

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) July 20, 2022Tyler enters the 2022 season as the team's starter after a solid 2021 campaign in which the Aggies won a Mountain West championship and took down Oregon State in the Los Angeles Bowl.The Beaumont, Texas, native rushed for 884 yards and seven touchdowns last season, but figures to add to those totals as the premier running back for the Aggies in 2022.

4️⃣ coming at ya!

Congrats to @BlessedAthleteC on being named to the @DoakWalkerAward Watch List!

➡️ https://t.co/wDxd25Vnrg #AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/dvjauzrA6a

— USU Football (@USUFootball) July 20, 2022

Tuesday, 08:45 am

Starting QBs named to Davey O'Brien watchlist

A day after being named to the 85-man Maxwell Award preseason watchlist, BYU's Jaren Hall, Utah's Cameron Rising, and Utah State's Logan Bonner were named among the 35 players selected to the Davey O'Brien preseason watchlist.Each player added to the list was selected "based on career player performance and expectations heading into the 2022 college football season," according to award voters.Alabama's Bryce Young, who received the award last season, headlines the list of quarterbacks, in addition to runner-up C.J. Stroud of Ohio State.

Congratulations to these 35 #DaveyQBs on our @daveyobrien Preseason Watch List! The list will be updated throughout the season with the additions of our weekly "Great 8" QB nominees, and the official Midseason Watch List of contenders for the award will be unveiled Oct. 18. pic.twitter.com/oTL6epXZaX

— Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award (@daveyobrien) July 19, 2022

Monday, 09:58 am

BYU, Utah, Utah State players represent well on Maxwell Award watchlist

On Monday, the three starting quarterbacks from BYU, Utah and Utah State were named to the prestigious Maxwell Award preseason watchlist, which is given to college football's player of the year. The three quarterbacks are Jaren Hall (BYU), Cameron Rising (Utah) and Logan Bonner (Utah State).Joining the trio of quarterbacks is Utah running back Tavion Thomas, who set a school rushing touchdown record as part of an up-and-down season for the Dayton, Ohio, native.The four athletes were integral to their team's success and each team being named to the final Associated Press Top 25 — it was the first time all three finished in the top 25.The local players were included among a watchlist of 85 players from around the country, including 2021 winner in Alabama quarterback Bryce Young.

MAXWELL AWARD WATCH LIST@jarenhall3 🤝 @MaxwellFootball pic.twitter.com/cA1f8HCShM

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) July 18, 2022

👀 @thiagoothomas9 @crising7

Read: https://t.co/9KVRhKkxlN pic.twitter.com/vL3VF8gxie

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) July 18, 2022

𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 𝐒𝐙𝐍

Congrats to @LoganBaneBonner on being named to the @TheMaxwellAward Watch List!#AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/w4Pybyw4Ye

— USU Football (@USUFootball) July 18, 2022

CFB award watchlists: BYU's Pili, Utah's Phillips each land Bednarik nomination

By KSL.com Sports | Updated - Aug. 1, 2022 at 8:36 a.m. | Posted - July 18, 2022 at 10:29 a.m.

Utah Utes cornerback Clark Phillips III (8) exits the team bus for the upcoming Rose Bowl game against Ohio State at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)

Barrington, Freeland, Daniels named to Rotari Lombardi watch list

Keenan Pili, Clark Phillips II named to Bednarik Awarch watch list

BYU's Jaren Hall, Utah's Tavion Thomas nominated for Walter Camp Player of the Year

BYU kicker Jake Oldroyd named to Lou Groza watchlist

BYU's Rehkow, Aggies' Kotsanlee named to Ray Guy watchlist

5 local linemen named to Outland Trophy watchlist

BYU's Wilgar, Utah's Phillips and Tafuna named to Bronko Nagurski Trophy watchlist

Utah's Bishop, Phillips land on Jim Thorpe Award watchlist

Trio of local linebackers named to Butkus Award watchlist

Utah's Dalton Kincaid, BYU's Isaac Rex named to Mackey Award watch list

BYU's Connor Pay up for nation's top center award

BYU's Puka Nacua named to Biletnikoff Award watchlist

Utah's Tavion Thomas, Utah State's Calvin Tyler Jr. named to Doak Walker watchlist

Starting QBs named to Davey O'Brien watchlist

BYU, Utah, Utah State players represent well on Maxwell Award watchlist

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CFB award watchlists: BYU's Pili, Utah's Phillips each land Bednarik nomination

By KSL.com Sports | Updated - Aug. 1, 2022 at 8:36 a.m. | Posted - July 18, 2022 at 10:29 a.m.

Utah Utes cornerback Clark Phillips III (8) exits the team bus for the upcoming Rose Bowl game against Ohio State at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)

Barrington, Freeland, Daniels named to Rotari Lombardi watch list

Keenan Pili, Clark Phillips II named to Bednarik Awarch watch list

BYU's Jaren Hall, Utah's Tavion Thomas nominated for Walter Camp Player of the Year

BYU kicker Jake Oldroyd named to Lou Groza watchlist

BYU's Rehkow, Aggies' Kotsanlee named to Ray Guy watchlist

5 local linemen named to Outland Trophy watchlist

BYU's Wilgar, Utah's Phillips and Tafuna named to Bronko Nagurski Trophy watchlist

Utah's Bishop, Phillips land on Jim Thorpe Award watchlist

Trio of local linebackers named to Butkus Award watchlist

Utah's Dalton Kincaid, BYU's Isaac Rex named to Mackey Award watch list

BYU's Connor Pay up for nation's top center award

BYU's Puka Nacua named to Biletnikoff Award watchlist

Utah's Tavion Thomas, Utah State's Calvin Tyler Jr. named to Doak Walker watchlist

Starting QBs named to Davey O'Brien watchlist

BYU, Utah, Utah State players represent well on Maxwell Award watchlist

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