Oklahoma State University Athletics
McCleskey Named to Paul Hornung Award Watch List
July 15, 2016 | Cowboy Football
STILLWATER – Oklahoma State wide receiver Jalen McCleskey is one of 43 players on the 2016 Watch List for the Paul Hornung Award, the Louisville Sports Commission announced Friday.
The Hornung Award, presented by Texas Roadhouse, is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football. Criteria include playing multiple positions, starting as a position player and playing a significant role on special teams, performing as a two-way player, demonstrating a high-level of versatility at one position on a regular basis and making a significant impact in multiple roles during big games.
McCleskey is one of just nine sophomores on the watch list, while the remaining 34 candidates are upperclassmen. He is also one of just three players from the Big 12 included on the list.
As a true freshman last year, McCleskey assumed the role as Oklahoma State's primary punt returner and was also a regular at wide receiver. As one of the fastest players on the roster, OSU coaches honored him with the Russell Okung Award for the team's outstanding newcomer.
McCleskey played in every game last season and ranked fourth on the team with 29 catches. He handled the vast majority of OSU punt return duties, highlighted by a season-best 67-yard return for a touchdown at Texas Tech for which he was named OSU's special teams player of the game.
A panel of college football experts will create an award candidate list of approximately 10-15 players based on performance during the season. The Paul Hornung Award Selection Committee chooses the finalists and ultimately the winner from the candidate list. The finalists will be announced Nov. 17 and the winner will be announced Dec. 7.
Fan voting will open in late September and will be conducted online at www.votepaulhornung.com. It will account approximately 6 percent of the overall vote.
The winner and his family will be honored at the annual Paul Hornung Award Banquet downtown Louisville in February 2017.
The Hornung Award, presented by Texas Roadhouse, is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football. Criteria include playing multiple positions, starting as a position player and playing a significant role on special teams, performing as a two-way player, demonstrating a high-level of versatility at one position on a regular basis and making a significant impact in multiple roles during big games.
McCleskey is one of just nine sophomores on the watch list, while the remaining 34 candidates are upperclassmen. He is also one of just three players from the Big 12 included on the list.
As a true freshman last year, McCleskey assumed the role as Oklahoma State's primary punt returner and was also a regular at wide receiver. As one of the fastest players on the roster, OSU coaches honored him with the Russell Okung Award for the team's outstanding newcomer.
McCleskey played in every game last season and ranked fourth on the team with 29 catches. He handled the vast majority of OSU punt return duties, highlighted by a season-best 67-yard return for a touchdown at Texas Tech for which he was named OSU's special teams player of the game.
A panel of college football experts will create an award candidate list of approximately 10-15 players based on performance during the season. The Paul Hornung Award Selection Committee chooses the finalists and ultimately the winner from the candidate list. The finalists will be announced Nov. 17 and the winner will be announced Dec. 7.
Fan voting will open in late September and will be conducted online at www.votepaulhornung.com. It will account approximately 6 percent of the overall vote.
The winner and his family will be honored at the annual Paul Hornung Award Banquet downtown Louisville in February 2017.
Players Mentioned
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