Awards Watchlists Agree, Rex is the Sexy Pick

Preseason watchlists are often a reflection of which players had successful seasons the year before.  Rex Burkhead is not an exception, leading the Huskers by being on three different watchlists.  The durable running back is an easy pick as he led the Huskers with a 1357 yards rushing, 15 touchdowns, and a 4.8 yards/carry average.

A number of Nebraska players were recognized as potential award winners this upcoming season.  Burkhead led by being on 3 lists, but 3 other players were recognized on multiple lists.

Award	Description	Player(s)
WALTER CAMP AWARD	Presented to the nation's most outstanding player by the Walter Camp Football Foundation	RB Rex Burkhead
LOU GROZA AWARD	Presented to the nation's top place-kicker by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission	Brett Maher
RAY GUY AWARD	Presented to the nation's best punter by the Augusta (Ga.) Sports Council	Brett Maher
ROTARY LOMBARDI AWARD	Presented to the college lineman of the year by the Rotary Club of Houston	G Spencer Long DT Baker Steinkuhler
JOHN MACKEY AWARD	Presented to the nation's most outstanding tight end by the Nassau County Sports Commission	Kyler Reed
MAXWELL AWARD	Presented to the college player of the year by the Maxwell Football Club	RB Rex Burkhead
DAVEY O’BRIEN AWARD	Presented to the nation's best quarterback by the Davey O'Brien Foundation	Taylor Martinez
OUTLAND TROPHY	Presented to the nation's most outstanding interior lineman by the Football Writers Association of America	G Spencer Long DT Baker Steinkuhler
DOAK WALKER AWARD	Presented to the nation's premier running back by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum	Rex Burkhead

Draw a simple conclusion from this list.  At the national level, the top upperclassmen of the 2012 squad each has the experience and ability to be considered a premier player at their respective positions.  What this list can not account for is potential breakout players from underclassmen, Junior College transfers, and those that hid behind the shadows of last years greats.

Sophomore receivers like Kenny Bell or Jamal Turner can be considered for conference and even national awards if they are able combine their athleticism and skill with off season improvements (like a better understanding of the playbook or "slowing down" of game speed).  In the same way that Lavonte David's immediate impact had such great success, transfers like CB Mohammed Seisay or LB Zaire Anderson can blossom under the defensive tutelage of Bo Pelini.

Only the results of the season will truly separate these players from their conference counterparts at the awards banquets, but these Huskers are all poised to have exceptional years.  If all of them do as well as expected, it could do wonders to the outcome of 2012.