LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Four Louisville players have been named to preseason watch lists for national awards.
Cardinals junior cornerback Jaire Alexander, senior lineman Drew Bailey and linebacker James Hearns are on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list for the nation’s top defensive player. They are among 103 candidates announced Thursday by the Football Writers Association of America.
Alexander’s five interceptions led Louisville last season, while Hearns had 43 tackles and eight sacks.
Bailey, who has 67 career tackles and 2.5 sacks in 25 games, was also named with junior offensive lineman Geron Christian to the watch list for the Outland Trophy as best interior lineman. Christian earned all-Atlantic Coast Conference honors for the second straight season and has started 26 consecutive games for Louisville.
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