“Boys, I may lead you into hell, but I’ll get you out if you do exactly what I tell you to do. I’ll never send you into battle, I’ll lead you. All I ask any man to do is follow me.”- Leander McNelly

The following are on the first official watchlist for the McNelly Award.

McNelly Award Watchlist:

• SR Evan Johnson: The BYU Safety has deservedly caught the national attention by his outstanding play thus far this season.
  • 14 Tackles, 2 INT, 1 TD
• SR Will ‘the blanket’ Lee: Texas A&M CB
  • 21 Tackles
• JR Kamari Wilson: Memphis Safety. Pick versus Arkansas caught my eye
  • 27 Tackles, 1 INT
• SR Zakee Wheatley: Penn St Safety
  • 18 Tackles, 1 Fumble Recovery
• SO KJ Bolden: Georgia Safety. Hard-hitter
  • 21 Tackles, 1 INT
• JR KP Price: The Boston College Eagle is a leader and is worthy of being on this list. In response to a reporter’s question a few weeks ago Price said, “Not driven by stats. I want to improve but leading the guys, leading the team–that’s my priority.”
  • 27 Tackles, 2 TFL
• SO Jackson Bennee: The Utah Safety has impressed through five games.
  • 20 Total Tackles, 3 INT, and 1 Pick Six
• SR Hezekiah Masses: The Cal DB leads the nation in interceptions (4) and pass deflections (7)
  • 22 Tackles, 4 INT
• SR Bishop Fitzgerald: USC Safety
  • 25 Tackles, 3 INT’s, 1 TD
• SO La’khi Roland: Maryland DB
  • 10 Tackles, 2 Picks, 1 TD
• JR Brice Pollock: Texas Tech CB
  • 14 Tackles, 3 Picks

The Cal Bears are performing well to begin the year, and Hezekiah Masses is a massive reason why. KP Price is probably my favorite so far.

I expect a few more to find their way to this list as the season continues to build. By Week 12 I’ll begin to narrow the list to find the most deserving winner of such a gritty award. Leander was gritty. Everybody was back then.

Find the Humor and Kepp on Movin’

Whit W.