Quinshon Judkins Named to Maxwell Award Preseason Watchlist

The Rebels running back has been named to the watchlist for the award that goes to the best college football player in the nation.

OXFORD, Miss. -- Ole Miss Rebels running back Quinshon Judkins was named to the Maxwell Award Preseason Watchlist on Monday, announced by the Maxwell Football Club and the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA).

Judkins is one of 85 athletes to make the list and one of 14 from the Southeastern Conference. The running back has continued to reel in honors this preseason, including being named a Preseason All-American and All-SEC.

Maxwell Award ➡️ Best Player in College Football

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— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) July 31, 2023

He is touted as one of the top returners at his position as he enters his sophomore season, and some even speculate that he could find himself as a dark horse candidate for the Heisman Trophy.

"You know, I don't focus on the awards," Judkins said at SEC Media Days. "I focus on what matters, which is winning games, contributing to my team, playing my role, just doing what I can."

The Pike Road, Ala., native put the country on notice in 2022 when he led the SEC in carries (274), rushing yards (1,567), and rushing touchdowns (16) as a true freshman. His yardage total ranks as the second-most ever by a freshman in SEC history behind only Georgia’s Herschel Walker, who ran for 1,616 yards in 1980.

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