DALLAS, TEXAS — Twelve Atlantic Coast Conference players have been named to the preseason watch list for the 2018 Outland Trophy presented by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, the Football Writers Association of America announced Tuesday. The list includes 82 standout interior linemen representing all 10 Division I FBS conferences and independents.
This is the first year of a partnership with the NFID to present the Outland Trophy as part of a public awareness campaign focused on the importance of influenza (flu) prevention during the 2018-19 flu season. The award honoring the top interior lineman in college football will continue to be selected by the FWAA membership and has been rebranded as the Outland Trophy presented by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases with a social media hashtag of #FightFlu.
ACC Players On Outland Trophy Watch List:
Chris Lindstrom, OT, Boston College
Justin Falcinelli, C, Clemson
Mitch Hyatt, OT, Clemson
Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
Alex Eberle, C, Florida State
Parker Braun, OG, Georgia Tech
Tyler Gauthier, C, Miami
Garrett Bradbury, C, NC State
Ricky Walker, DT, Virginia Tech
Ryan Anderson, C, Wake Forest
Phil Haynes, OG, Wake Forest
University of Wisconsin All-American
Joe Thomas, the 2006 Outland Trophy winner who retired earlier this year after a stellar 11-year career with NFL’s Cleveland Browns, will serve as the Outland Trophy #FightFlu ambassador. Thomas has been an avid supporter of annual flu vaccines. He will make media appearances on behalf of the #FightFlu public awareness campaign to remind people to get their annual flu shots.
Additionally, Thomas will announce the recipient of the 73rd Outland Trophy during ESPN’s
The Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 6, live from the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. The official presentation to the winner will be made at the
Werner Enterprises Outland Trophy Awards Dinner produced by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee on Jan. 9, 2019. Up to seven semifinalists will be named on Nov. 14 in Omaha and three finalists for the award will be announced on Nov. 19.