Thomas, Okoronkwo on Bednarik list
Oklahoma cornerback Jordan Thomas and linebacker Ogbonnia Okoronkwo are on the Bednarik Award watch list. The award is given annually to college football’s Defensive Player of the Year.
NORMAN — Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield and offensive tackle Orlando
Brown are two of the 85 players on the Maxwell Award watch list, it was announced Monday.
The Maxwell Award is given annually to the college football’s Player of the Year regardless of position.
Mayfield threw for 3,965 yards and 40 touchdowns with just eight interceptions a year ago, finishing third in the Heisman Trophy voting and also being one of three finalists for the Maxwell Award.
He set the FBS singleseason record for passing efficiency rating at 196.4 and completed an NCAAbest 70.9 percent of his passes.
Brown has started all 26 games the last two seasons for the Sooners at left tackle. He was named a second-team All-American last year by The Associated Press and the Football Writers Association of America and earned Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year honors from the league’s coaches.
Louisville’s Lamar Jackson headlines the watch list after winning the 2016 award.
Semifinalists for the Maxwell Award will be announced Oct. 30 with the winner being named Dec. 7.
Two Sooners have won the award — Jason White in 2004 and Tommy McDonald in 1956.
Thomas, Okoronkwo named to Bednarik list
Oklahoma cornerback
Jordan Thomas and linebacker Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, both seniors, were named to the Bednarik Award watch list, it was announced Monday.
The award is given annually to college football’s Defensive Player of the Year.Thomas started all 13 games a year ago, with mixed results.
He struggled early in the season before coming on strong late. He finished with two interceptions and 17 pass breakups.
He was also named firstteam All-Big 12.
During his career, Thomas has started 28 games with seven interceptions, 26 pass breakups and 127 tackles.
Okoronkwo had a breakout season last year, starting 12 games with 67 tackles and nine sacks. During his first two seasons, Okoronkwo combined for 17 tackles and four sacks.
Okoronkwo’s sack total last season tied him with
Eric Striker for most in OU single-season history by a linebacker.
Semifinalists for the award will be named Oct. 30, with three finalists announced Nov. 20. The winner will be announced Dec. 7.
The only Sooners player to win the award was
linebacker Teddy Lehman in 2003.
Basquine nominated for Good Works Team
Oklahoma wide receiver
Nick Basquine is one of 146 nominees for the 2017 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.
Since 1992, the team has honored the “dedication to volunteerism and enriching the lives of others” among college football players.
The 22-player team — 11 FBS players and 11 combined from FCS, Divisions II, III and NAIA — will be announced in September.
The winners will be selected by a panel consisting of former members of the Good Works team and college football media members.
Basquine played in all 13 games making two starts last year as he emerged after walking on two years ago.
During the season, the Norman North alum was awarded a scholarship.