The following are press releases sent out by the Big 12 Conference regarding Jake Knott and Kelechi Osemele.
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Knott Named to Nagurski Watch List
DALLAS – Iowa State linebacker Jake Knott has been placed on the 2011 Watch List of the Nagurski Award, presented annually to the nation’s best defensive player by the Football Writers Association of America and the Charlotte Touchdown Club. Knott was named to the Bednarik Award watch list earlier this week, which also recognizes the nation’s top collegiate defender, presented by the Maxwell Football Club.
Knott is a 2011 Iowa State co-captain who is a consensus pre-season All-Big 12 linebacker after earning second-team honors as a sophomore. The Waukee native had one of the best sophomore seasons in Iowa State history in 2010. He averaged 10.8 tackles per game, ranking second in the Big 12 and 12th nationally. Knott made 130 tackles, broke up five passes, made four interceptions and forced four fumbles. The junior made a career-high 16 tackles at Colorado and broke up three Buffalo passes.
Knott was a first-team academic All-Big 12 honoree in 2010.
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Osemele Tabbed on Outland Trophy Watch List
DALLAS – Iowa State offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele is on the 65-player preseason watch list for the Outland Trophy, awarded annually to the nation’s best interior lineman. The Outland Trophy, presented since 1946, is the third-oldest award in major college football.
Osemele, a Houston native, is a consensus pre-season first or second-team All-American at offensive tackle. NFL draft services have pegged the 6-6, 347-pound senior for first-round selection in the 2012 league draft.
Osemele is a two-time all-Big 12 selection.
