As we inch closer to the 2013 NCAA football season, a number of preseason watch lists have been released indicating who fans can expect to compete for postseason awards.
Many of this year’s lists feature six Tigers, giving fans an idea from whom to expect big things this season.
LSU senior quarterback Zach Mettenberger was placed on the list for the most prestigious of these awards, the Maxwell Award, presented by the Maxwell Football Club to the player of the year.
Mettenberger is among elite company, as other players on the list include Alabama senior quarterback A.J. McCarron, 2012 SEC Defensive Player of the Year South Carolina junior defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and 2013 Heisman Trophy winner Texas A&M sophomore quarterback Johnny Manziel.
Becoming LSU’s first recipient of this award would seem to be a long shot, but Mettenberger’s improvement under the guidance new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron will undoubtedly be something to watch this season.
Not unexpectedly, LSU’s defense has also made its presence known on these watch lists.
Senior safety Craig Loston is expected to compete for the Thorpe Award, given to college football’s best defensive back, and senior linebacker Lamin Barrow will open the season vying for the Butkus Award for best linebacker.
Junior defensive tackle Anthony Johnson appeared on more lists than any other Tiger. He and junior offensive tackle La’el Collins appeared on the preseason lists for the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award, both of which are given to the best linemen in the country.
Loston, Barrow and Johnson are also all early considerations for the Bednarik Award, which is given by the Maxwell Club to college football’s best defensive player.
LSU senior safety Craig Loston (6) runs out of the endzone Saturday, April 20, 2013 after intercepting a pass in the National L Club Spring Game in Tiger Stadium.
