Calvin Austin III, Quindell Johnson named to major watchlists
U of M safety Quindell Johnson was named to the Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List. The Chuck Bednarik Award is presented annually to the most outstanding defensive player. (Courtesy University of Memphis)
The University of Memphis Tigers will have two of the best players in the country this fall, and pundits continued to recognize them with preseason accolades.
Wide receiver Calvin Austin III and safety Quindell Johnson both found themselves on major national award watchlists Monday.
Austin was named to the Maxwell Award Watch List; the award is presented annually to the most outstanding player in college football.
Memphis receiver Calvin Austin III was named to the Maxwell Award Watch List; the award is presented annually to the most outstanding player in college football. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian file)
Austin was the Tigers’ most potent weapon last fall, with 1,052 receiving yards, 11 touchdowns, and a punt return score as well.
He led the AAC in both receiving yards and touchdowns, while ranking in the top 10 nationally in both categories.
Johnson was named to the watchlist of the Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the nation’s most outstanding defensive player.
A second-team All-AAC selection in 2020, Johnson led Memphis with 81 tackles and three interceptions. He also forced two fumbles and blocked a kick.
His 60 solo tackles were the most in the AAC and top 25 nationally.
Semifinalists for the awards will be announced Nov. 1. The list will be cut down to three finalists and revealed Nov. 22. Winners will be announced Dec. 9.
Both Austin and Johnson have lofty expectations for themselves this season. Austin once again will be the focal point of the offense as the Tigers break in a new starting quarterback.
The defense expects to be one of the best units in the AAC, and for that to happen, the ball-hawking safety will have to build on his 2020 breakout season.
Topics
Memphis Tigers Memphis Tigers Football Calvin Austin III Quindell Johnson 2021 college football seasonSteven Johnson
Johnson is a Memphis native who graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2016. He's traveled the country covering teams like Syracuse, the Buffalo Bills and the Memphis Grizzlies. He's excited about the opportunity to cover the Tigers and all things in the city of Memphis.
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