It was announced last Thursday that Nebraska center Justin Evans has been added to the Remington Trophy watch list. For Nebraska fans it’s a big deal to think a Husker could possibly win the award named after Husker legend and Hall-of-Famer Dave Remington. The award is presented to the best center in college football each season.
Created in 2000, the Remington Trophy serves as a fundraiser for the Boomer Esiason Foundation’s fight against cystic fibrosis. 40 players are selected each preseason as possible candidates. The winner is selected by determining the consensus All-American center pick from four All-American teams. Those four teams are the prestigious All-American Football Coaches, Walter Camp Foundation, Sporting News, and Football Writers Association of America.
While named after a Nebraska player, only one Husker has ever won the award, Dominic Raiola in 2000. Iowa has won the trophy twice over the last five seasons and has a player on the watch list again this season in Kade Pieper.
Evans, a former 2-Star recruit, has started 31 games for the Huskers and is one of the top centers in the Big Ten and a legitimate NFL prospect. Last season he gave up 1 sack and 10 pressures in 443 pass-blocking snaps. Because of his speed (5.15) in the 40-yard dash he’s equally effective in the running game. His ability to move allows him to reach linebackers and get outside on counters making him someone who could easily play at the next level. However, at 6’2”, 315-pounds, he is considered under sized, and it’s been said if he were 6’4” he’d be a first round NFL draft pick.
Of the forty players selected for the watch list, 12 are players from the Big Ten.
- Justin Evans – Nebraska
- Jake Renfro – Illinois
- Bray Lynch – Indiana
- Kade Pieper – Iowa
- Michael Hershey – Maryland
- Jake Guarnera – Michigan
- Ashton Beers – Minnesota
- Jackson Carsello – Northwestern
- Carson Hinzman – Ohio State
- Brock Riker – Penn State
- Killian O’Conner – USC
- Landen Hatchett – Washington
Unfortunately, it was announced Friday that USC’s Killian O’Conner will be out for the season with a leg injury.
Much of Evan’s success will depend on how well Nebraska’s offensive line plays as a unit. The Nebraska O-line gave up a dismal 33 sacks last season, but fans and college football prognosticators alike are expecting a huge leap in play from the Nebraska offensive line this season with new coaches Geep Wade and Lonnie Teasley. With Evans at center and Elijah Pritchett at left tackle the Huskers added transfers Paul Mubenga and Brendan Black at the guard positions and there is currently a hot battle for the right tackle spot between Tree Babalade and Gunner Gottula.
Why the expectation for improvement? With the three transfers, Nebraska’s top seven O-Linemen have 208 games of experience, and 125 starts. Evans will attempt to spearhead the rebirth of the “Pipeline” at Nebraska.
GO BIG RED!! SIMPLE, FAST, VIOLENT!!
Photos courtesy of the Falls City Journal Home – Falls City Journal – Falls City, NE
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