University of Georgia Athletics
Atkins, Curran, Walsh Named To National Watch Lists
August 14, 2009 | Football
ATHENS, Ga. --- Georgia defensive tackle Geno Atkins, linebacker Rennie Curran and place-kicker Blair Walsh have been named to Watch Lists for national awards. Atkins and Curran are being considered for the Chuck Bednarik Award, honoring the top defensive player in the nation, while Walsh is in contention for the Lou Groza Award, given to the finest place- kicker in college football.
Atkins, who is also a candidate for the Outland Trophy, given to the nation’s top interior lineman, started all 13 games last year when he posted 34 tackles, including 7.5 for 17 yards lost, and led the Bulldogs with 32 quarterback pressures.
Curran, who was a Butkus Award finalist last season, led the Georgia in tackles (115), tackles for a loss (10.0), sacks (3.0) and forced fumbles (2) and earned the team’s Most Valuable Defensive Player Award.
In 2008, Walsh made his debut vs. Georgia Southern connecting for a 52-yard field goal on his first career attempt. He appeared in 13 games last season, connecting on 15-of-23 field goal attempts and recording 75 kickoffs for 4,499 yards. SEC coaches named Walsh Freshman All-SEC.
Most of the watch lists for national honors are being revealed on a daily basis on ESPN's College Football Live. Last Thursday, junior safety Reshad Jones was named to the ledger for the Jim Thorpe Award for the nation's top defensive back, and Jeff Owens, senior defensive tackle, was also included on the watch list for the Outland Trophy.