Jackson Free Press

As the football season rolls on, we're getting a good idea of which players will be up for regional and national awards. A Mississippi college football player will win the Conerly Trophy, but other national awards could easily go to the top players in the state. Each season, the different awards put out watch lists of players to keep an eye on. Several players from college football programs in the state made these watch lists at the beginning of the season.

Maxwell Award: College Football Player of the Year (awarded since 1937)

Tyler Russell, quarterback, MSU

LaDarius Perkins, running back, MSU

Bo Wallace, quarterback, Ole Miss

Bednarik Award: College Defensive Player of the Year (awarded since 1995)

Benardrick McKinney, linebacker, MSU

Mackey Award: Most Outstanding Collegiate Tight End (awarded since 2000)

Malcolm Johnson, tight end, MSU

Rimington Trophy: Most Outstanding Collegiate Center (awarded since 2000)

Dillon Day, center, MSU

Evan Swindall, center, Ole Miss

Lombardi Award: Lineman of the Year (awarded since 1970)

Denzel Nkemdiche, linebacker, Ole Miss

Gabe Jackson, guard, MSU

Bronko Nagurski Trophy: Most Outstanding Defensive Player (awarded since 1993)

Denzel Nkemdiche, linebacker, Ole Miss

Nickoe Whitley, linebacker, MSU

Outland Trophy: Most Outstanding Interior Lineman (awarded since 1946)

Gabe Jackson, guard, MSU

Jim Thorpe Award: Best Defensive Back (awarded since 1986)

Deron Wilson, safety, Southern Miss

Doak Walker Award: Premier Running Back (awarded since 1990)

LaDarius Perkins, running back, MSU

Biletnikoff Award: Most Outstanding Receiver (awarded since 1994)

Donte Moncrief, wide receiver, Ole Miss

Davey O'Brien Award: Best Quarterback (awarded since 1981)

Tyler Russell, quarterback, MSU

Bo Wallace, quarterback, Ole Miss

Walter Camp Award: Most Outstanding Player (awarded since 1967)

Tyler Russell, quarterback, MSU

Butkus Award: Most Outstanding Linebacker (awarded since 1985)

Benardrick McKinney, linebacker, MSU

D.T. Shackelford, linebacker, Ole Miss

Deontae Skinner, linebacker, MSU

Buck Buchanan Award: Top FCS Defensive Player (awarded since 1995)

Qua Cox, cornerback, Jackson State

Robert Simpson, defensive tackle, Mississippi Valley State University