Texas Tech football 2023 preseason award watch list tracker: Tyler Shough honored

With the 2023 college football season right around the corner, that means preseason watch lists are starting to roll out.

The Texas Tech football team enters the new campaign with high expectations. Following an 8-5 overall mark in Joey McGuire's debut as head coach and a victory over Ole Miss in the TaxAct Texas Bowl, the Red Raiders are looking for more. Picked fourth in the preseason Big 12 media poll, Tech returns a slew of returning talent that could find themselves on these award watch lists.

Take a look and which Red Raiders are on the radar.

Quarterback Tyler Shough lands on Maxwell Award watch list

Having already been named Tech's starter for the 2023 season, quarterback Tyler Shough was named to the watch list for the Maxwell Award, which is a national player of the year award. He is one of 85 players named to the list, which features reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams of USC. Shough is 8-1 as a starting QB for Tech. He passed for 1,304 yards and seven TDs in 2022, completing 59.9% of his passes (106-of-177).

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Jaylon Hutchings named to Nagurski, Outland lists

Defensive tackle Jaylon Hutchings was named to the Bronko Nagurski and Outland Trophy watch lists, which were announced by the Football Writers Association of America. The Nagurski award is presented to the nation's most outstanding defensive player and the Outland to the top interior lineman. Hutchings, a preseason All-Big 12 selection, recorded 50 tackles with 5.5 tackles for a loss in 2022.

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Punter Austin McNamara earns place on Ray Guy Award list

Senior punter Austin McNamara has been named to the Ray Guy Award watch list, announced by the Augusta Sports Council. It was awarded to the nation's top FBS punter. McNamara is third among active FBS punters in career average, coming in at 45.8 yards per punt.

Rusty Staats on Rimington Trophy list

Western Kentucky transfer Rusty Staats was named to the 2023 Rimington Trophy preseason watch list. The award is given to the nation's top center. Staats, a senior offensive lineman, joins the Red Raiders after starting all 14 games in 2022 and 27 games total for the Hilltoppers.

Wuerffel Trophy taps Tony Bradford Jr. as one to watch

Senior defensive tackle Tony Bradford Jr. found his name o the 2023 Wuerffel Trophy watch list, which honors college football players for their community service. Bradford was on the same list each of the last two years and was one of 12 semifinalists in 2022.

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Jerand Bradley makes the Biletnikoff list

Sophomore wide receiver Jerand Bradley made his way onto the 2023 Biletnikoff Award preseason watch list after a standout freshman campaign. Bradley led the team with 51 catches, 744 yards and seven touchdowns last season. He was also a preseason All-Big 12 selection.

Doak Walker Award names Tahj Brooks one to watch

Senior running back Tahj Brooks was named to the Doak Walker Award watch list. The award is given to the top FBS running back. Brooks has led the Red Raiders in rushing each of the last two seasons and will be the featured back for Tech in 2023.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas Tech football 2023 preseason award watch list tracker: Tyler Shough honored