Written by David Regimbal

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It’s that time of year again.

With college football still seven weeks away, the Maxwell Football Club has given fans a brief oasis from the offseason/desert by announcing their 2012 “watch lists” for some of the NCAA’s most prestigious individual awards. As these lists continue to pour out, more and more Buckeyes are getting preseason love.

Defensive linemen John Simon and Jonathan Hankins were both named to the Bednarik Award watch list -- a trophy that’s given to the nation’s top defensive player. Simon had a stellar year for the Buckeyes in 2011, notching a team high 16 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Hankins also had a huge year at defensive tackle for Ohio State, recording 67 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and three sacks.

Buckeyes quarterback Braxton Miller was one of just eight sophomores to make the Maxwell Award watch list -- an honor given to “the most outstanding collegiate football player.” Miller enters his second year at Ohio state after totaling 1,874 yards of offense with 20 total touchdowns in 2011.

Finally -- currently suspended tight end Jake Stoneburner was named to the John Mackey Award watch list -- a trophy given to the nation’s top tight end. Stoneburner had a breakout year in 2011, hauling in a team high seven touchdowns on 14 catches for 193 yards. Stoneburner is just one touchdown catch away from tying John Lumpkin’s record for TD catches from a tight end (10). Stoneburner was suspended after an arrest earlier this summer but is expected to be reinstated before Ohio State’s season opener against Miami (OH).

(Photo credit - Jim Davidson - TheOzone.net)

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