Underdog Watch Lists: Maxwell and Bednarik Awards

As the national award watch lists are announced throughout July, we’ll let you know which Group of 5 players are preseason candidates for them. The watch lists will come out each weekday from July 10 until July 21.

The first two lists were announced today, the Bednarik and Maxwell award watch lists. The Bednarik Award recognizes the best defensive player in the nation, while the Maxwell Award recognizes the best overall player.

Bednarik Award Watch List

Sean Chandler, S - Temple Owls

Jaylon Ferguson, DE - Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

Shaquem Griffin, LB - UCF Knights

Heath Harding, CB - Miami RedHawks

Justin Lawler, DE - SMU Mustangs

David Moa, NT - Boise State Broncos

Deatrick Nichols, CB - South Florida Bulls

Ed Oliver, DT - Houston Cougars

Malik Reed, DE - Nevada Wolf Pack

Ja’Von Rolland-Jones, DE - Arkansas State Red Wolves

Jahlani Tavai, LB - Hawaii Warriors

Micah Thomas, LB - Navy Midshipmen

Andrew Wingard, S - Wyoming Cowboys

Maxwell Award Watch List

Josh Allen, QB - Wyoming Cowboys

D’Angelo Brewer, RB - Tulsa Golden Hurricane

Riley Ferguson, QB - Memphis Tigers

Quinton Flowers, QB - South Florida Bulls

James Gilbert, RB - Ball State Cardinals

Ray Lawry, RB - Old Dominion Monarchs

Jalin Moore, RB - Appalachian State Mountaineers

Ed Oliver, DT - Houston Cougars

Rashaad Penny, RB - San Diego State Aztecs

Larry Rose III, RB - New Mexico State Aggies

Brett Rypien, QB - Boise State Broncos

Brandon Silvers, QB - Troy Trojans

Ito Smith, RB - Southern Miss Golden Eagles

Brent Stockstill, QB - Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

Mike White, QB - Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

Logan Woodside, QB - Toledo Rockets

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Selections by conference:

AAC: Nine

C-USA: Five

Sun Belt: Four

Ed Oliver of Houston is the only G5 player to make both lists.

USF leads the way for the AAC with two selections, although Houston’s Ed Oliver made both lists. Memphis, Navy, SMU, Temple, Tulsa, and UCF each had one, as well.

For C-USA, Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee, Old Dominion, Southern Miss, and WKU each had one selection.

Finally, the Sun Belt had one selection each for Appalachian State, Arkansas State, New Mexico State, and Troy.

Last G5 Winners:

Bednarik: 2015 - Tyler Matakevich, Temple

Maxwell: 1990 - Ty Detmer, BYU