Jaylon Thomas Named To Outland Trophy Watch List

[PonyPride]

From SMUMustangs.com:

Thomas Named To Outland Trophy Watch List

DALLAS (FWAA/SMU) – Jaylon Thomas opens the 2021 season as a member of the Outland Trophy Watch List, as released by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) on Tuesday. The award is presented annually to the nation's top interior lineman.

This is the second consecutive season for Thomas on the list after starting all nine games played at left tackle in 2020. Following the season, he was selected to the American Athletic Conference second team.

He is the first Mustang to make two appearances on the Outland Trophy Watch List.

Thomas helped the Mustangs to top-25 national rankings in red zone offense (9th, .920), total offense (12th, 494.5), passing offense (13th, 318.0), scoring offense (15th, 38.6), third down conversion % (19th, .469) and first downs (21st, 251).

In three seasons on the Hilltop, Thomas has played in 29 games, starting 28, including 22 at left tackle.

Thomas is also a preseason All-AAC selection by Athlon Sports, Phil Steele and College Football News. He was ranked No. 13 on CFN's Top 30 AAC Players and is part of Dave Campbell's All-Texas First-Team.

The winner of the Outland Trophy will be announced as part of The Home Depot College Football Awards in December, while the official presentation will take place on Jan. 12 in Omaha, Nebraska.

Complete Watch List Selections & Calendar
Maxwell Award – Bentley IV/Roberson Jr.
Doak Walker Award – Bentley IV
Biletnikoff Award – Rice/Roberson Jr.
John Mackey Award – Calcaterra
Outland Trophy – Thomas
Wed., July 28: Lou Groza Award, Ray Guy Award
Thu., July 29: Paul Hornung Award, Wuerffel Trophy
Fri., July 30: Walter Camp Award