Two University of Akron football players were named to pre-season watch lists Thursday according to UA news releases.
Linebacker Ulysees Gilbert III was named to the Bronko Nagurski Watch List by the Football Writers Association of America and the Charlotte Touchdown Club.
The award is presented annually to the country’s best defensive football player.
Gilbert earned first-team MAC honors last season as a sophomore leading the team with 122 tackles, 11.5 TFL, eight hurries, four sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Gilbert isn’t the only player receiving notice.
Holder Kyle Foster was selected a candidate for the 2017 Peter Mortell Holder of the Year Award, the HOTY Foundation announced via social media.