Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis on Tuesday was included on the preseason watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which is given to the most outstanding defensive player by the Charlotte Touchdown Club.
Lewis was the first OU defender to appear on one of the preseason watch lists that are being announced daily at this point in the preseason. On Monday, OU's new backfield duo of quarterback John Mateer and running back Jaydn Ott were on the Maxwell Award watch list.
Kip Lewis on Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list
Lewis is most famous for his clutch pick-6 to beat Auburn last season for the Sooners' first SEC win. He then returned another interception for a touchdown in OU's monster upset over Alabama in Norman.
YOU SERIOUS, KIP LEWIS?? 🤯
— Dave Campbell's — TexasFootball.com (@dctf) September 28, 2024
The former @carthagedawgs star with a pick-six against Auburn that put Oklahoma in front for good 😮💨@KipLewis9 #TXHSFB #dctf #texasfootball @CarthageISD
pic.twitter.com/T4iQFnpHWC
Last season as a redshirt sophomore, Lewis had 65 tackles, four tackles for loss, two interceptions, one pass breakup and one QB hurry while starting 12 games at weakside linebacker next to Danny Stutsman. This season, there will be a lot of pressure for Lewis to fill Stutsman's void as OU's best tackler the past three seasons.
Outside of Lewis, it was somewhat of a surprise one or both of safety Robert Spears-Jennings and defensive end R Mason Thomas didn't make the watch list considering their preseason hype. Thomas was even named Preseason Second-Team All-SEC, while Lewis was nowhere to be found in that group.
The watch list for the Outland Trophy, which is given to the top interior lineman, was also released on Tuesday, but didn't include any OU players. The Sooners were abysmal on the offensive line last season, so there was no shock from that side of the ball, but defensive tackles Damonic Williams, Jayden Jackson and Gracen Halton should have all at least been considered.
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