Thomas Named To Maxwell Award Watch List, James Gayle To Bednarik

Two Hokies were named to prominent college football awards watch lists today, one on the offensive side of the ball and the other on defense. Logan Thomas and James Gayle were the two players named to the watch lists, with Thomas being named to the Maxwell Award Watch List and Gayle being named to the Bednarik Award Watch List. Both are awarded annually by the Maxwell Football Club.

The Maxwell Award is given to the best player in America, while the Bednarik Award is given to the best defensive player in the country as judged by a panel of sportswriters/sportscasters and head coaches.

Both Thomas and Gayle experienced down years in 2012 after breakout 2011 seasons. Thomas finished 2012 throwing for 2,976 yards with 18 passing touchdowns and 16 interceptions and rushing for 524 yards on the ground with 9 touchdowns there as well.

Gayle, meanwhile, set a career-high with 43 tackles and posted a strong 11 tackles for a loss, but his sack total dipped to only 5. He struggled all season long with injuries and never looked like the same player he did in 2011. Both will be looking for bounce back seasons and to help the Hokies avoid a similar fate as they did in 2012, their worst season in two decades.

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