James Conner, Jordan Whitehead, and Ejuan Price up for Maxwell, Bednarik Awards

Earlier this week, three Pitt stars were named to preseason watch lists for two significant awards.

Returning running back James Conner was named to the watch list for the Maxwell Award, given annually to the Player of the Year in college football by the Maxwell Club. The Club also presents the Bednarik Award given to the top defender and Jordan Whitehead and Ejuan Price were named to that watch list.

The recognition for all three is noteworthy. Conner being nominated for the award given to the top player in all of college football shows how much is expected of him this season after missing the year with an MCL injury and then recovering from Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Whitehead's selection here is pretty astounding as well considering he enters the year as a true sophomore. And it's also great to see Price get some preseason honors after really taking a step forward last year and living up to his potential.

All three have a long way to go in terms of being truly considered for the awards, obviously. But the preseason recognition is always great for not only the players, but also the program.

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