Jordan Whitehead named to preseason watch list for Paul Hornung Award

Losing count yet?

That's sort of the way I feel trying to keep up with all of the preseason watch lists Pitt safety Jordan Whitehead is finding himself on. Whitehead's latest? Being named as a preseason candidate for the Paul Hornung Award.

Whitehead secured his spot on that list on Friday - his fourth of the offseason. The award is given to the most versatile player in college football.

You might remember earlier this summer, Whitehead got some recognition by the NFL in that respect. Earlier this month, NFL.com named him one of the most versatile players in the college ranks, placing him No. 8 on that list.

We've covered this quite a bit but Whitehead's versatility was on display last season at Pitt when the then freshman lined up on both sides of the ball. Not only did he excel on defense, winning the ACC's Defensive Rookie of the Year Award, but also had 122 yards rushing, two receptions, and two rushing touchdowns.

Without Tyler Boyd, it will be interesting to see how much Whitehead gets utilized on offense this season. The Panthers get James Conner back so Whitehead may not be needed in the backfield that much, but you can expect him to at least get some snaps on offense with Boyd gone - and mostly because he's so dangerous with the ball in his hands.

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