Iowa's Wadley, Jewell named to Maxwell, Bednark watch lists

IOWA CITY — College football's watch list season rolled through Iowa City on Monday, and running back Akrum Wadley and linebacker Josey Jewell got their turn in the spotlight.

The Maxwell Football Club announced Monday that Wadley was named to the 2017 Maxwell Award Watch List, presented annually to college football's player of the year. It also was announced Jewell was named to the Bednarik Award Watch List, presented each year to college football's top defensive player.

Wadley compiled 1,396 yards in total offense in 2016 for the Hawkeyes, including 13 touchdowns. He was named third-team All-Big Ten by Big Ten coaches, Athlon Sports, and Phil Steele. Heading into his senior year, Wadley's average per carry (6.2) ranks first among Iowa running backs with more than 1,000 career rushing yards.

Jewell led Iowa with 124 tackles in 2016, which was second in the Big Ten. Jewell was one of five finalists for the 2016 Butkus Award. He was named Iowa's Most Valuable Player on defense and second team All-Big Ten by the Associated Press and Big Ten coaches and media.

The Maxwell Award has been awarded to college football's player of the year since 1937 and is named in honor of Robert Maxwell for his contributions to the game as a player, sports writer, and official. The Bednarik award has been presented to the nation's top defensive player since 1995, and was named after Chuck Bednarik, a former standout and a member of the College Football Hall of Fame since 1969.

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