Already a popular name heading into the new college football season, Ohio State defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins was officially named to the Bronko Nagurski and Outland Trophy watch lists on Thursday along with some of the best defensive players in America.
Joining Hankins on the Nagurski preseason list is none other than his linemate, Buckeyes defensive end John Simon. Given to the best defensive player in college football annually, the Nagurski was last claimed by Ohio State in 2006 by linebacker James Laurinaitis. In addition, Hankins and Simon were each named to the Bednarik Trophy watch list earlier in the week, while star quarterback Braxton Miller was added to the Maxwell's list.
The sole Ohio State player in the mix for the Outland Trophy, awarded to the best offensive or defensive lineman in the sport, Hankins will try to follow in the footsteps of former winners Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska) and Glenn Dorsey (LSU) as a dominant interior presence on the line. Buckeye great Orlando Pace took home the award in convincing fashion back in 1996, and Hankins will be looking to give OSU its fifth Outland winner of all-time.
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