UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO ATHLETICS
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The preseason has been a busy one for the University at Buffalo football team thanks to a program-record six players making nine different national award preseason watch lists. Bulls appeared on more preseason watch lists than any other school in the Mid-American Conference.
Khalil Hodge led the way by being recognized on three separate preseason watch lists. The senior linebacker was named to the watch lists for the Bednarik Award, given to the nation’s best defensive player, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, presented by the Charlotte Touchdown Club to the best defensive player and the Butkus Award, given to the top linebacker in the nation. Hodge was the only player from the MAC named to the Butkus Award watch list.
Anthony Johnson was named to the watch lists for the Maxwell Award, given to the best player in college football as well as the Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the nation’s top wide receiver. Johnson, a senior wide receiver who recorded an impressive 76 receptions for 1,356 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2017, joined former UB great Branden Oliver as just the second player in UB history named to the preseason watch list for the Maxwell Award.
Tyree Jackson became the first player in school history named to the Davey O’Brien Award preseason watch list, given annually to the top quarterback in the country. The junior signal-caller was one of just 26 quarterbacks on the list. Jackson threw for 2,096 yards and 12 touchdowns over eight games in 2017.
James O’Hagan was named to the Rimington Trophy preseason watch list (top center) for the third time in his career. A stalwart on the offensive line, the Bulls’ center has started 36 games over his career.
Junior running back Emmanuel Reed was named to the preseason watch list for the Doak Walker Award, given to the top running back. Reed emerged as the Bulls’ top back a season ago after rushing for 840 yards and nine touchdowns on the year.
Finally, Tyler Mabry earned Mackey Award watch list honors for his play at tight end. Mabry continues the tradition of standout tight end play at UB, following in the footsteps of former greats Matt Weiser and Mason Schreck. Mabry had 24 catches for 242 yards and a touchdown in 2017.
The UB football team had six players on nine different preseason watch lists – a program best. The previous high was four players on eight different watch lists prior to the 2013 campaign.
The 2018 season kicks off on September 1 against Delaware State at UB Stadium.
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