Watch list news this time of year comes hot and heavy, but some are a bit more impressive than the others. For the Western Michigan Broncos, and senior defensive back Darius Phillips, it’s the second straight year of an impressive preseason accolade as the Bronco was named to the 2017 watch list for the Paul Hornung Award, the only Mid-American Conference player named to the list. It was Phillips’ second consecutive year being named to the list.
Each year since 2010, the award has been given to the nation's most versatile player, usually playing multiple positions on offense, defense, special teams, or some combination therein.