COLLEGE PARK, Md. –Maryland running back and kick returner Javon Leake and tight end Noah Barnes were named to preseason watch lists on Thursday.
Leake was named to the 2019 Paul Hornung Award Watch List, while Barnes was placed on the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List.
The Hornung Award, now in its 10th season, is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football by the Louisville Sports Commission and football legend Paul Hornung. Leake is one 44 total players selected, including a nation-best eight from the Big Ten.
Leake impressed both in the backfield and on special teams in 2018, leading the Terps with seven rushing touchdowns, while rushing for 309 yards on 34 carries (9.1 ypc). As Maryland's primary kick returner, Leake led the team with 409 kickoff return yards, with an average of 24.1 yards per return.
The Greensboro, N.C. native was the first player in Big Ten history to win both the Offensive Player of the Week and Special Teams Player of the week awards in the same week, after scoring four touchdowns in Maryland's win over Illinois last season by way of three rushing touchdowns and a 97-yard kickoff return to the house. Leake was the first Maryland player with four touchdowns in a single game since DJ Adams in 2010.
The Hornung Award winner and his family will be honored at the annual Paul Hornung Award dinner to be held at the Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville on March 4, 2020.
The Wuerffel Trophy is known as "College Football's Premier Award for Community Service." Named after 1996 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Danny Wuerffel, the Wuerffel Trophy is awarded to the FBS player that best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.
Barnes, a junior tight end, is heavily involved with Maryland's community service efforts. He has worked with Habitat for Humanity, the Food Recovery Network and the Detroit and College Park Food Banks.
The Auburn, Ala. native, who is a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree, has also volunteered his time working with kids at the National Institute of Health, The McNair Foundation and Best Buddies Maryland.
Semifinalists for the award will be announced on November 5 and finalists will be announced on November 18. The formal announcement of the 2019 recipient will be made at the National Football Foundation's festivities in New York City on December 10. The presentation of the 2019 Wuerffel Trophy will occur at the 51st All Sports Association Awards Banquet on February 14, 2020 in Fort Walton Beach.
Maryland will open up its 2019 season against Howard at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium on August, 31. Purchase tickets here.
Leake was named to the 2019 Paul Hornung Award Watch List, while Barnes was placed on the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List.
The Hornung Award, now in its 10th season, is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football by the Louisville Sports Commission and football legend Paul Hornung. Leake is one 44 total players selected, including a nation-best eight from the Big Ten.
Leake impressed both in the backfield and on special teams in 2018, leading the Terps with seven rushing touchdowns, while rushing for 309 yards on 34 carries (9.1 ypc). As Maryland's primary kick returner, Leake led the team with 409 kickoff return yards, with an average of 24.1 yards per return.
The Greensboro, N.C. native was the first player in Big Ten history to win both the Offensive Player of the Week and Special Teams Player of the week awards in the same week, after scoring four touchdowns in Maryland's win over Illinois last season by way of three rushing touchdowns and a 97-yard kickoff return to the house. Leake was the first Maryland player with four touchdowns in a single game since DJ Adams in 2010.
The Hornung Award winner and his family will be honored at the annual Paul Hornung Award dinner to be held at the Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville on March 4, 2020.
The Wuerffel Trophy is known as "College Football's Premier Award for Community Service." Named after 1996 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Danny Wuerffel, the Wuerffel Trophy is awarded to the FBS player that best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.
Barnes, a junior tight end, is heavily involved with Maryland's community service efforts. He has worked with Habitat for Humanity, the Food Recovery Network and the Detroit and College Park Food Banks.
The Auburn, Ala. native, who is a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree, has also volunteered his time working with kids at the National Institute of Health, The McNair Foundation and Best Buddies Maryland.
Semifinalists for the award will be announced on November 5 and finalists will be announced on November 18. The formal announcement of the 2019 recipient will be made at the National Football Foundation's festivities in New York City on December 10. The presentation of the 2019 Wuerffel Trophy will occur at the 51st All Sports Association Awards Banquet on February 14, 2020 in Fort Walton Beach.
Maryland will open up its 2019 season against Howard at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium on August, 31. Purchase tickets here.
