2016 Maxwell and Bednarik Award watch lists released

After months of grappling with the agony that accompanies the college football offseason, it is finally becoming clear that the 2016 season is within view.

One such indication that that is the case came today, as the Maxwell Club announced which college players made its 2016 watch lists for the Maxwell and Bednarik Awards.  The Maxwell Award is traditionally given to whomever the Maxwell Club deems is the best player in the country, while the Bednarik Award is given to whomever they deem is the country's best defensive player.

Since the season has not started yet, the lists are obviously full of players from around the country who have the potential to shape the college football landscape in the 2016 season.  One thing is clear, however:  the SEC's defensive dominance is expected to continue on into 2016, as they landed 24 names on the 90-man watch list.  Below, you can find the list of the SEC players named to the Bednarik Award watch list.

Now, the Maxwell Award watch list does not have nearly as many SEC players on it, but upon looking through it, you're sure to notice many SEC players that may have have earned your praise or ire last season, depending on what school you root for.

The winners of these awards won't be announced until December 8th, but it's clear by looking at the amount of talented players on both of these lists that the SEC has a pretty good shot at having a few more trophy-winning players in its ranks.

Note:  The full watch lists can be found at MaxwellFootballClub.org