University of Texas junior offensive lineman Mason “Big Country” Walters has been named to the Outland Trophy Watch List, released today by the Football Writer’s Association of America. The Outland Trophy is awarded annually to the nation’s best interior lineman on both sides of the ball. Walters, a 2011 second team All Big 12 member, has started all 25 games at right tackle for the Longhorns. He returns to a more experienced and stronger offensive line with all but one of his teammates from last year (David Snow) and with the addition of junior college transfer Donald Hawkins. Hawkins should add immediate value to an offensive line that had its share of challenges last year due to youth and inexperience.
Three Longhorns have won the Outland Trophy since it was first awarded in 1946: Scott Appleton (1963), Tommy Nobis (1965) and Brad Shearer (1977). The 2013 Outland Trophy will be presented on January 10, 2013 in Omaha, Nebraska. Alabama’s Barrett Jones (Offensive Tackle) won the award last year.
