Six players named to watch lists
by MizzMatt via mutigers.com 7/8/11
Columbia, MO- NCAA preseason doesn't mean much as far as rankings are concerned. Last year, Texas was a preseason favorite and finished 5-7 along with Florida. Oklahoma was considered a contender until Mizzou snatched their hopes of a perfect season. Nobody predicted Auburn and Oregon to go as far as they did. Preseason also allows for the players to watch for on respective lists.NAGURSKI- Given to the most outstanding defender. Two Tigers have been named to this list so far, linebacker Zavier Gooden and defensive end Brad Madison. While Madison wasn't a full-time starter, he led the squad in tackles for loss (TFL) with 11.0 and sacks with 7.5. Mizzou and Texas are the only Big 12 schools with two players on the Nagurski list. Madison's total numbers were 21 solo, 11 assisted, 32 total tackles, with one fumble recovery and two forced fumbles.
BEDNARIK- Given to the best defender nationally. Zavier Gooden was named to this list earlier this week. Gooden topped the defensive stats last season with 85 total tackles, 50 solo and 35 assisted. He added 3 sacks to his totals and grabbed 2 interceptions, including the key INT against Oklahoma. Gooden also forced one fumble and recovered two others.
MACKEY- Given to the best tight end. Michael Egnew has the chance to join former Mizzou player and previous Mackey winner Chase Coffman. Egnew finished second on the team last season in receiving yards behind T.J. Moe. Michael finished 2010 with 90 catches for 762 yards and 5 TD.
BILETNIKOFF- Given to the best wide receiver. T.J. Moe was named to this list after having a stellar season in 2010, snagging nearly 100 passes for 1,045 yards and 6 TD. Moe also finished with 12 rushes for 81 yards and a TD.
OUTLAND- Given to the best interior offensive lineman nationally. Dan Hoch has been named to this list. Hoch has started 26 consecutive games as right tackle and was named to the 2nd-team All-Big 12 in 2010.
GROZA- Given to the best kicker. Grant Ressel has the opportunity to join Jeff "Money" Wolfert as a recipient of this award after only missing four total kicks- 17-19 on field goals and 45-47 on point after touchdown attempts in 2010.
