SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s three FBS programs begin fall camp this week, and with college football fast approaching, watch lists for the nation’s top national awards have been released over the past two weeks.
Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson and Utah State linebacker David Woodward lead the way among locals, appearing on four watch lists. Here’s a look at the locals who have landed on the various watch lists, with info on Utah ties who have previously won the awards.
FBS award given to college football players for the impact they make off the field
- Uriah Leiataua, BYU junior DL
- Terrell Burgess, Utah senior S
College defensive player of the year
- Bradlee Anae, Utah senior DE
- Tipa Galeai, Utah State senior DE
- Jaylon Johnson, Utah junior CB
- Gabe Sewell, Nevada (Desert Hills High) senior LB
- Jay Tufele, USC (Bingham High) sophomore DT
- David Woodward, Utah State junior LB
Nation’s outstanding college receiver
- No local representatives in 2019
Nation’s most outstanding defensive player
- Bradlee Anae, Utah senior DE
- Jaylon Johnson, Utah junior CB
- Khyiris Tonga, BYU (Granger High) junior DT
- Jay Tufele, USC (Bingham High) sophomore DT
- David Woodward, Utah State junior LB
Nation’s best collegiate linebacker
- David Woodward, Utah State junior LB
Nation’s best quarterback
- Jordan Love, Utah State junior QB
Previous local winners
- 1991: Ty Detmer, BYU
- 1990: Ty Detmer, BYU
- 1983: Steve Young, BYU
- 1981: Jim McMahon, BYU
Nation’s premier running back
- Lopini Katoa, BYU (American Fork High) sophomore RB
- Zack Moss, Utah senior RB
Previous local winners
- 2001: Luke Staley, BYU
FBS coach of the year
- Kyle Whittingham, Utah
Previous local winners
- 1979: LaVell Edwards, BYU
Nation’s best college defensive back
- Julian Blackmon, Utah (Layton High) senior S
- Jaylon Johnson, Utah junior CB
- DJ Williams, Utah State senior CB
Nation’s most outstanding tight end
- Matt Bushman, BYU junior TE
- Cole Fotheringham, Utah sophomore TE
- Noah Togiai, Oregon State (Hunter High) senior TE
College football’s defensive best in character and performance
- Jaylon Johnson, Utah junior CB
- David Woodward, Utah State junior LB
Nation’s top placekicker
- Dominik Eberle, Utah State senior K (Note: Eberle was a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award last season and a finalist in 2017.