Sam Ehlinger and Caden Sterns named to Maxwell, Bednarik watch lists

With the college football season getting underway in less than two months, the watch lists for the annual College Football Awards are incrementally being announced.

On Monday, Junior quarterback Sam Ehlinger was named to the Maxwell Award watch list, which recognizes college football’s player of the year.  Ehlinger amassed 3,292 passing yards and a total of  41 touchdowns last year, and capped a 10-win season for the Longhorns by leading his team to a 28-21 victory over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. His 41 total touchdowns are second-best in Texas history only behind Colt McCoy, who registered 45 touchdowns in 2008.

Sophmore defensive back Caden Sterns is receiving deserved attention as well, being named to the Bednarik watch list.  The Bednarik Award is presented to the defensive player of the year. Sterns finished his freshman season with 62 total tackles including three tackles for loss, one sack and four pass breakups. He led the Longhorns in interceptions with four, and was a Thorpe Award finalist and the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year.

Semifinalists for the awards will be announced on October 29, 2019, with the awards committees selecting three finalists on November 25.  The Maxwell and Bednarik Awards will be announced on December 12, 2019 as part of the Home Depot College Football Awards Show.