More Big East Players Earn Preseason Watch List Honors

Two Big East special teams players were named to preseason watch lists earlier this week. Maikon Bonani, a senior placekicker for South Florida was named to the watch list for the Lou Groza Award for the nation’s top kicker, and junior punter Pat O'Donnell of Cincinnati was named to the watch list for the Ray Guy Award, honoring the best collegiate punter.

Four Big East players were named to the Bronco Nagurski Trophy watch list as well. The award is given annually by the Football Writers Association of America and the Charlotte Touchdown Club. The players making the list are Pittsburgh safety Jarred Holley, Rutgers linebacker Khaseem Greene, Connecticut defensive end Trevardo Williams and Louisville safety Hakeem Smith.

Four other big East players were named to the watch list for the Outland Trophy, given to the best interior lineman in the nation. They are Louisville center Mario Benavides, Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald, South Florida offensive tackle Mark Popek, and Syracuse offensive tackle Justin Pugh. The Outland Trophy is selected annually by the Football Writers Association of America.