Georgia Southern Running Back Matt Breida Named to Maxwell Award Watch List

Matt Breida's 2014 season was nothing short of spectacular. Statistically, he was one of the best running backs in the nation. He had multiple touchdown runs of 60+ yards. He averaged almost 9 yards per carry. He was a threat to take it to the house every time he touched the football.

He didn't just do this during Sun Belt play, either. He announced his presence to the world with a 61 yard touchdown to open the season at North Carolina State. He had a 69 yard touchdown run at Georgia Tech. He broke his longest of the season with an 88 yard run against Navy.

By the end of the season his numbers were beginning to garner notice as he made the semi-finalist list for the Doak Walker award.

With College Football Awards Watch List season (began yesterday, ends in two weeks) in full swing, you can expect to hear Matt Breida's name mentioned for a few awards. He'll certainly make the Doak Walker Award Watch List for the nation's top running back. That isn't the only spot, though.

This morning, Matt Breida was named one of the many players on the watch list for the Maxwell Award, given to the College Player of the Year. Being recognized at his position is an impressive recognition, but being named as someone to watch as the college player of the year is even bigger. It's a huge honor for Brieda and for Georgia Southern, as well.

Georgia Southern boasts winners of awards at the FCS level, but Breida's entrance into the Doak Walker race last season was the first push for a major award at the FBS level. There was a push for (the real) Adrian Peterson to be considered for the Heisman back in 2001, but that's about it. With Breida's inclusion on the Maxwell Award Watch List, it is another milestone step in the growth of the Georgia Southern football program.

Now let's celebrate by watching Matt Breida Do Matt Breida Things.