DALLAS — Appalachian State University football senior offensive lineman Parker Collins was named to the Outland Trophy Watch List on Friday.
The Outland Trophy winner is chosen from three finalists who are a part of the annual FWAA All-America Team. The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the entire membership, selects a 26-man first team and eventually the three Outland finalists.
Collins is one of 70 student-athletes from across the country to be named to the prestigious list, while the lineman is only one of two student-athletes representing the Sun Belt (Antonio Garcia - Troy). Collins is on a list that features 22 offensive tackles, 20 offensive guards, 17 defensive tackles and 11 centers.
During the 2015 season, Collins was an intricate part at center where he started all 13 games and helped anchor an offensive line that ranked sixth in the nation in rushing and second in the Sun Belt at a whopping 271.5 yards per game. The Mountaineers rushed for at least 300 yards in six games last season as well. For his performance, Collins was named second team all-Sun Belt.
The App State offensive line did a tremendous job protecting quarterback Taylor Lamb, allowing just 11 sacks during the season, which tied the fourth fewest in the nation and second fewest in the Sun Belt. Thanks to the offensive line giving Lamb time to throw, the signal caller ranked 10th in the nation in passing efficiency and ninth in the country in passing touchdowns.
Collins is the third Mountaineer thus far to be named to a preseason award watch list, as Marcus Cox was named to the Maxwell Award Watch List and Barrett Burns was selected for the John Mackey Award Watch List.
Coming off an impressive 11-2 campaign in 2015 with a Camellia Bowl win over Ohio (31-29) and setting the record for the most wins in the Sun Belt, the Mountaineers return 17 starters. App State opens up the 2016 season on the road against Tennessee in Knoxville on Thursday, Sept. 1.
Fans can also still enjoy the perks that come with being a Yosef Club member by joining for the 2016 membership year, which runs through Dec. 31, 2016. Yosef Club membership comes with access to exclusive seating and parking for Appalachian State football (at certain membership levels). Additionally, Yosef Club members at the $100 annual and above will be eligible to participate in July's single-game tickets pre-sale.
To join the Yosef Club today, click HERE or call the Yosef Club office at (828) 262-3108.
