Archer & Nix Named To Maxwell & Bednarik Watch Lists
7/8/2013 3:17:00 PM | Football, Dri Archer
Kent State's Dri Archer (Laurel, Fla.) and Roosevelt Nix (Reynoldsburg, Ohio) each joined elite company Monday, when they were both named to national watch lists by the Maxwell Football Club. Archer was one of 75 players on the Maxwell Award Watch List, honoring the nation's top player. Nix was one of 74 players named to the Bednarik Award Watch List, recognizing the nation's top defensive player.
Nix was also on the Bednarik Award Watch List in 2011, after becoming the first freshman to be named Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2010. A three-time All-MAC First Team selection, he is among the nation's career active leaders in tackles for loss (52.0), sacks (20.5) and forced fumbles (10).
After sitting out the 2011 season, Archer came storming back in 2012 with a Kent State single-season record 23 touchdowns (16 rushing, 4 receiving, 3 kick returns). His 9.0 yards per carry led the nation as did his 36.9 yards per kick return.
Last week, Archer was one of 44 players named to the Paul Hornung Award Watch List, lauding the nation's most versatile player. In 2012, he was one of four finalists for the honor. Archer was also recently tabbed as one of the Top 50 College Football Players in 2013 by USA Today.
Semifinalists for the Maxwell and Bednarik Awards will be announced Oct. 29, while the three finalists for each award will be unveiled Nov. 18. The winners of the 2013 Maxwell and Bednarik Awards will be announced as part of the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show held on Dec. 5. The formal presentations of these awards will be made at the Maxwell Football Club Awards Gala hosted by Harrah's Entertainment Atlantic City on March 7, 2014.
Earlier this summer, Archer and Nix were each named to Phil Steele's 2013 Preseason All-American Team.
The Golden Flashes are coming off an unprecedented 11-win season, going 8-0 in Mid-American Conference play. Kent State kicks off the 2013 season Aug. 29 against Liberty at 6 p.m. inside Dix Stadium.
