Sports
Blankenship Named To Maxwell Watch List
By: Seth Austin
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The Maxwell Football Club announced its 2013 Maxwell Award Watch List with Ohio senior tailback Beau Blankenship earning recognition.
The Maxwell Award, like the Heisman Trophy, is awarded to college football’s best player at the end of the season. Last season, Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o brought home the award.
After transferring from Iowa State in 2009, Blankenship joined the ‘Cats after redshirting in 2010. In his first season in Green and White, Blankenship rushed for 462 yards and four touchdowns.
Last season, Blankenship exploded as a premier Mid-American Conference running back accumulating 16 all-purpose scores. Blankenship compiled a school-record 1,604 yards on the ground finishing ninth in the country in rushing.
He was named co-MVP of the Independence Bowl with his high school teammate Tyler Tettleton after tallying 104 yards and a bowl game record four touchdowns in a 45-14 Ohio victory.
After his stellar junior year, Blankenship earned Second Team All-MAC honors and was named a captain for the upcoming 2013 season.
Blankenship joins MAC compatriots Dri Archer (RB, Kent State), David Fluellen (RB, Toledo), Jordan Lynch (QB, Northern Illinois), Branden Oliver (RB, Buffalo) and Keith Wenning (QB, Ball State) on the Club’s Watch List. He will be looking to become the first running back to win the award since Penn State’s Larry Johnson took home the hardware in 2002.
Blankenship and the Bobcats take on fellow Maxwell candidate Teddy Bridgewater and the Louisville Cardinals Sept. 1 at 3 p.m. at Papa John’s Stadium on ESPN.