MADISON, Wis. — The preseason accolades continue to roll in for Wisconsin running back Montee Ball.
On Friday, Ball was named a candidate for the Walter Camp Award, given annually to the college football player of the year. Last season, Ball earned Walter Camp second-team All-America honors when he rushed for 1,923 yards and 33 touchdowns. He is one of 11 players on this year's list to have earned previous Walter Camp honors.
In addition to Ball, four other Big Ten players are on the Walter Camp watch list: Nebraska running back Rex Burkhead, Michigan State defensive end William Gholston, Penn State running back Silas Redd and Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson. In all, 50 players made the preseason watch list.
The 2011 Walter Camp Player of the Year recipient was former Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck.
This year's watch list will be narrowed to 10 semifinalists in November, with the winner announced live on ESPN on Dec. 6. The winner is voted on by 124 NCAA Bowl Subdivision head coaches and sports information directors.
Ball, a Heisman Trophy finalist last year, also is a candidate for the Maxwell Award and the Doak Walker Award.
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