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MSU quarterback Dak Prescott, defensive lineman Chris Jones, and defensive back Will Redmond are getting some preseason recognition.
Predictably, senior quarterback Dak Prescott has been named as a contender for the Maxwell Award. The Maxwell Award is presented each year to the best football player in America and is voted on by a collection of sports media members and head coaches from around the country. Prescott was one of three finalists for the award in 2014, which was won by former Oregon QB Marcus Mariota. He had the most prolific season ever for an MSU quarterback last season, he was named a first-team All-SEC player, and collected 3,449 passing yards and 986 rushing yards. It would be no surprise if he found a way to be a finalist for the award in 2015 as he's expected yet again to be the best quarterback in the SEC and one of the best in the nation.
Junior defensive lineman Chris Jones and senior defensive back Will Redmond were named to the Bednarik Award watch list. The Bednarik Award is given to the best defensive player in America each year and is voted on by members of the Maxwell Football Club.
Jones came to MSU as a 5-star prospect in 2013 and made a huge impact as a true freshman. In 2014 he tallied 26 tackles (3.5 for loss) and 3 sacks. Jones will be the leader of the Bulldogs' defensive line and he has already been named a preseason All-American by multiple outlets.
Redmond made 51 tackles (3 for loss) and had 3 interceptions in 2014. ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. called him the best defensive back in the country and he was also named a preseason All-American by Phil Steele.