Willie Tuitama
Mike Thomas
University of Arizona seniors Willie Tuitama and Mike Thomas have been named to the Watch List for the Maxwell Award, placing them under early consideration for the award recognizing the nation’s outstanding football player for 2008.
Maxwell Football Club President Ron Jaworski recently announced the 2008 Watch List for the 72nd Maxwell Award, which is comprised of 75 players selected based on their performance during the 2007 season.
The Maxwell Award has been presented to the outstanding collegiate football player in America since 1937 and is named in honor of Robert W. “Tiny” Maxwell. Quarterback Tim Tebow of the University of Florida was the recipient of the Maxwell Award in 2007.
Tuitama led the Pac-10 with 28 touchdown passes and accumulated a school-record 3,683 passing yards in his first season running the spread offense. Thomas had 83 receptions for 1,083 yards, led the Pac-10 with 11 touchdown catches and has a good chance to surpass Dennis Northcutt and Bobby Wade to become the UA’s all-time leading receiver this year.
Semifinalists for the Maxwell Award will be announced in early November and three finalists will be announced November 25th. The winner will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show in December. The formal presentation of these awards will be made at the Maxwell Football Club Awards Gala on March 6, 2009.
The candidates have been chosen by the Maxwell Football Club’s Selection Committee and the Maxwell Club may make additions and subtractions to the list as the 2008 season unfolds. All members of the Maxwell Football Club, NCAA sports information directors, head coaches and selected national media are eligible to vote for these awards.