Gray and Williams named to Prestigious National Award Watch Lists

HATTIESBURG, Miss - Southern Miss senior defensive lineman Anthony Gray and junior linebacker Korey Williams were each selected to national award watch lists released Monday by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA).

Gray, of Philadelphia, Miss., earned a nod on the 2010 Outland Trophy Watch List, while Williams garnered a spot on the 2010 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List. The Outland Trophy is awarded each year to the top interior lineman on either the offensive or defensive line. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy awards the top defensive player each year in college football.

In three seasons on the defensive line for the Golden Eagles, Gray has tallied 76 tackles (35 solos) to go along with 17.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one pass broken up. As for Williams, the New Orleans native, led the team in tackles last season (121) and has registered 145 stops (58 solos) over the last two campaigns. Additionally, Williams has 15 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 5 passes broken up, five fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles during his career.

The Outland Trophy, presented annually since 1946, is the third oldest award in major college football. The Outland Trophy is named after the late John Outland, an All-America lineman at Penn and Kansas at the turn of the century. The 2010 winner will be announced on The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show on Dec. 9. The Outland Trophy presentation banquet, sponsored by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee, will be on Jan. 13 in Omaha, Neb.

The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Nov. 18. The annual Bronko Nagurski Trophy Banquet will be on Dec. 6 at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, N.C.

The FWAA will consider other players for both watch lists and will also delete players as the season progresses.

Both players will begin to showcase their skills this season, Sept. 2, when the Golden Eagles open the 2010 campaign at South Carolina. Season tickets can be purchased by calling 1-800-844-TICK (8425) or visiting the Pat Ferlise Athletic Ticket Office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., or going online at SouthernMiss.com.