UCLA Bruins
UCLA LB Myles Jack and DB Ishmael Adams are among 44 players named to the watch list for the 2015 Paul Hornung Award. The Hornung Award, which is in its 6th season, is awarded by the Louisville Sports Commission to “the most versatile player in major college football.”
Jack should certainly be a front-runner for the award, as he is entering what will likely be his last season for the Bruins ready to take on an even bigger role than before on defense as an inside linebacker. He will also have the opportunity add to his legend as a two way player by running situationally for the Bruins in 2015.
Adams has proven to be a valuable defensive back and special teams player during his UCLA career, and he has a penchant for making flashy plays out of interceptions and returns. Unfortunatly for Adams, much of his stat line over the years has been decimated by penalties (he has had more than one TD called back because of penalties by teammates). However, when Adams has the ball in his hands there is no denying he is dynamic by any measure.
Previous winners of the award have been:
Sep 25, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive back Ishmael Adams (1) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
- 2010 – Owen Marecic, Stanford
- 2011 – Brandon Boykin, Georgia
- 2012 – Tavon Austin, West Virginia
- 2013 – Odell Beckham Jr., LSU
- 2014 – Shaq Thompson, Washington
Other Pac-12 players to make this years watch list are:
- Trevor Davis, Cal
- Budda Baker, Washington
- Byron Marshall, Oregon
- Charles Nelson, Oregon
- Adoree’ Jackson, Southern Cal
- Christian McCaffrey, Stanford
Although there are still a ton of watch lists that have yet to be released, Jake Brendel has already been put on the watch list for the Rimington Award (Best Center in CFB). Over the next month, there should be numerous Bruins on numerous lists (which amounts to zero if they don’t have good seasons).
If Adams or Jack manage to win the Hornung Award, they will collect a sweet trophy, have there name announced nationally and attend a banquest in the state of Kentucky… I guess the 1st two make up for the 3rd? Here’s hoping Hornung can keep his pants up during the ceremony.