The initial Maxwell Award watch list was released today, and features some notable surprises (via CBSsports.com).
Most noteworthy was the inclusion of Arizona wide receiver Juron Criner, who last week was at the center of widespread speculation, based on a completely un-sourced and unsubstantiated claim.
The entire Wisconsin backfield made the list, including Russell Wilson despite his being a Badger just one week.
Army running back Jared Hassin was named, but not Black Knight quarterback Trent Steelman. Hassin outrushed Steelman 1013 to 721 yards last season, but Steelman scored four more touchdowns (11 to 7).
Ohio State received some good news (finally), landing both tight end Jake Stoneburner and running back Jordan Hall (via Scarlet & Game)
Thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, teammates and coaches of Purdue running back Sean Matti, missing over the weekend and found dead today in an Indiana lake (via USA Today). Matti is another unfortunate passing in what has been a recent rash of tragedy in the college football community. Alabama lineman Aaron Douglas and Oklahoma linebacker Austin Box also passed since May.
It just changed conferences; could a nickname change be in the immediate future for the University of Utah? (via The Upset Blog). UU already uses a Hawk named “Swoop” as its mascot. The school did win an appeal removing it from an offensive Native names list in 2005 (via U News Center).
Maryland offensive lineman Justin Lewis was dismissed from the team today. Exact reasons are unknown, falling under the vague “violation of team policies” label (via Terrapin Station)
The fleet of new coaches joining the Big Ten have some high expectations to meet — some higher than others (via OnsideKick.com)
College football’s most famous tattoos are all based in Columbus. But here are some more worth of your perusal (via Lost Lettermen).
