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Watch list: Iowa’s Kittle, Welsh join the ranks
IOWA CITY — Iowa senior tight end George Kittle and junior offensive lineman Sean Welsh were the latest players tabbed to preseason watch lists.
Kittle (6-foot-4, 235 pounds) was named to the Mackey Award watch list, which goes to the nation's best tight end. Kittle caught 20 passes for 290 yards and six touchdowns last season. In his previous two years on the field, Kittle hauled in six catches for 133 yards.
Welsh (6-3, 288 pounds) was named to the Rimington Trophy watch list, which goes to the nation's top center. Welsh has 23 starts in his career, with 19 at left guard, two at right guard and two at right tackle. Welsh played center in most of Iowa's spring practices.
Iowa's offense gained 2,544 yards and rushed for 35 touchdowns last season. The Hawkeyes passed for 2,862 yards in winning 12 regular-season games and earning a trip to the Rose Bowl.
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Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz congratulates offensive lineman Sean Welsh (79) after the Hawkeyes score a touchdown against the Purdue Boilermakers during the second half at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City on Saturday, November 21, 2015. (Cliff Jette/The Gazette)
Iowa Hawkeyes tight end George Kittle (46) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Nebraksa in a Big Ten football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb., on Friday, Nov. 27, 2015. (Adam Wesley/The Gazette)
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