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SALT LAKE CITY — Running back Zack Moss is projected to have a big year for the University of Utah following a breakout sophomore season. On Monday, Moss was named to the Maxwell Award watch list, which is given to the college player of the year.
Moss was named to the 85-man watch list Monday, becoming the first Ute since Devontae Booker in 2015 to make the preseason list. Booker would finish that season as a semifinalist, with Alabama’s Derrick Henry winning the award.
Moss, a junior from Florida, started the 2017 season at running back after Armand Shyne went down with a season-ending injury in fall camp. Moss started out slow, but he emerged as a violent running back capable of hitting the gaps hard and making big gains. He finished the season rushing for 1,173 yards (5.48 average) and 10 touchdowns.
Moss becomes the fourth Utah player since at least 2008 to be named to the watch list. Wide receiver Dres Anderson (2014) and running back John White IV (2012) are the two other Utah players to be included on the Maxwell Award watch list.
The Maxwell watch list also features 2017 semifinals Jalen Hurts (Alabama), Khalil Tate (Arizona), Nick Fitzgerald (Mississippi State), Bryce Love (Stanford), McKenzie Milton (UCF) and Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin).
Anae, a junior from Hawaii, stepped in at defensive end and made his mark quickly, putting pressure on opposing offenses and bringing down quarterbacks. He finished the season with 39 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, seven sacks and three forced fumbles.
Blackmon, a junior from Layton, led an emerging secondary group that lacked experience. The cornerback became a consistent feature on the defensive side of the ball and made it extremely difficult for opposing offenses to bring down passes when thrown in his direction. Blackmon finished the season with 48 total tackles, six broken up passes and four interceptions.
- Davey O’Brien - July 17
- Doak Walker - July 18
- Biletnikoff - July 19
- John Mackey - July 20
- Rimington - July 20
- Butkus - July 23
- Paycom Jim Thorpe - July 23
- Bronko Nagurski - July 24
- Outland - July 24
- Lou Groza - July 25
- Ray Guy - July 25
- Paul Hornung - July 26
- Wuerffel - July 26
- Walter Camp - July 27
Utah opens up its fall camp on Aug. 1 and will host Weber State on Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake for the season opener.
