As we close in on the start of media days, it is nearly time for preseason watch lists to be unveiled.
Starting next week, 15 watch lists will be announced over a 12-day period. This morning, I am going to take a look into my crystal ball and guess the Big East players that are going to be featured on these watch lists. Typically, these lists feature anywhere between 35-50 players to watch.
Keep in mind this is not who I think should be on the lists, but rather how I think they are going to look.
I figure this will be an easy way for you to point and laugh at me once the lists start coming out.
Here are the lists:
Monday, July 9
Maxwell Award (Presented to the college player of the year)
Big East candidate: Ray Graham, Pitt.
Bednarik Award (Presented to the college defensive player of the year)
Big East candidate: Rutgers linebacker Khaseem Greene.
Tuesday, July 10
Mackey Award (Presented to the nation's most outstanding tight end)
Big East candidate: Ryan Griffin, UConn
Rimington Trophy (Presented to the nation's top center)
Big East candidates: Mario Benavides, Louisville; Ryan Turnley, Pitt; Macky MacPherson, Syracuse. (All three were on a 2012 spring watch list.)
Wednesday, July 11
Lou Groza Award (Presented to the nation's top kicker)
Big East candidates: Maikon Bonani, USF; Ross Krautman, Syracuse; Brandon McManus, Temple
Ray Guy Award (Presented to the nation's best punter)
Big East candidates: Pat O'Donnell, Cincinnati
Thursday, July 12
Bronko Nagurski Trophy (Presented to the nation's most outstanding defensive player)
Big East candidates: Greene
Outland Trophy (Presented to the nation's most outstanding interior lineman)
Big East candidates: Aaron Donald, Pitt; Scott Vallone Rutgers
Friday, July 13
Jim Thorpe Award (Presented to the nation's best defensive back)
Big East candidates: Hakeem Smith, Louisville; Jarred Holley, Pitt; Logan Ryan, Rutgers; Blidi Wreh-Wilson, UConn; Adrian Bushell, Louisville
Monday, July 16
Butkus Award (Presented to the nation's most outstanding linebacker)
Big East candidates: Greene; DeDe Lattimore, USF; Sio Moore, UConn
Rotary Lombardi Award (Presented to the college lineman of the year)
Big East candidates: Benavides; Greene; Donald; Justin Pugh, Syracuse; Trevardo Williams, UConn.
Tuesday, July 17
Biletnikoff Award (Presented to the nation's most outstanding receiver)
Big East candidates: None
Wednesday, July 18
Davey O'Brien Award (Presented to the nation's best quarterback)
Big East candidates: Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville; B.J. Daniels, USF.
Thursday, July 19
Doak Walker Award (Presented to the nation's premier running back).
Big East candidates: Graham; Lyle McCombs, UConn
Friday, July 20
Walter Camp Award (Presented to the nation's most outstanding player)
Big East candidates: Graham