RB Derrick Henry, QB Deshaun Watson headline CFB award winners
Alabama running back Derrick Henry walked away as the big winner of the college football awards season, claiming the Walter Camp and Maxwell Awards, two of the three player of the year honors along with the Heisman Trophy. It was no surprise that Henry also claimed the Doak Walker Award, given to best running back, beating out LSU’s Leonard Fournette and Standford’s Christian McCaffrey.
Henry, a Heisman finalist, finished the regular season as the FBS’ leading rusher, carrying the ball 339 times for 1,986 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Fellow Heisman finalist Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson took home the Davey O’Brien Award, given to the best quarterback. The sophomore led the Tigers into the College Football Playoff in his first season as the full-time starter, throwing for 3,512 yards, 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Temple linebacker Tyler Matakevich earned both the Chuck Bednarik Award and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the two defensive player of the year honors. The senior recorded 126 tackles and five interceptions this season.
Award Winners
Maxwell Award (player of the year):
RB Derrick Henry, Alabama
Walter Camp Award (player of the year):
RB Derrick Henry, Alabama
Davey O’Brien Award (best quarterback):
QB Deshaun Watson, Clemson
Chuck Bednarik Award (defensive player of the year):
LB Tyler Matakevich, Temple
Doak Walker Award (best running back):
RB Derrick Henry, Alabama
Bletnikoff Award (best wide receiver):
WR, Corey Coleman, Baylor
Jim Thorpe Award (best defensive back):
CB Desmond King, Iowa
Outland Trophy (best interior lineman):
OG Joshua Garnett, Stanford
Lou Groza Award (best kicker):
K Ka’imi Fairbairn, UCLA
Ray Guy Award (best punter):
P Tom Hackett, Utah
Rimington Trophy (best center):
C Ryan Kelly, Alabama
John Mackey Award (best tight end):
TE Hunter Henry, Arkansas
Bronko Nagurski Trophy (defensive player of the year):
LB Tyler Matakevich, Temple
