With a little more than a month away from the start of the season, the Ragin’ Cajuns continue to rack up the preseason accolades with five players being named to preseason watchlists.
The first one this week was Bralen Trahan, who was named to the Bronko Nagurski watchlist. The Acadiana High product was also named to the Bednarik Award and is coming off of a big 2020 campaign where he led the team with four interceptions.
For the second straight year, O’Cyrus Torrence was named to the Outland Trophy watchlist, which is given to the top interior lineman in the country. Torrence played in all 11 games last season and was a huge cog in the offensive line that was ranked fifth in the nation tackles for loss allowed.
Cajuns punter Rhys Byrns, meanwhile was named to the Ray Guy watchlist. Byrns had a huge 2020 campaign, punting four over 50 yards and pinning 14 of them inside the 20-yard line.
Senior quarterback Levi Lewis was recognized for his hard work off the field and was a nominee for the Wuerffel Trophy. The Baton Rouge native has served the Lafayette community well, including participating in hurricane disaster relief efforts and was a part of the Adopt-A-Family Gift program.
Finally, Louisiana running back Chris Smith was on the Paul Hornung watchlist, which is presented to the most versitile player in college football. Smith had a major role in the program last season as the Cajuns primary kick returner. The big highlight for him was a pair of kick returns for touchdowns, including one in the season opening win over Iowa State.