Connors Named to Earl Campbell Award Watch List

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Rice senior Dean Connors has been named to the 2024 Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Watch List, which was released on Wednesday. The annual award recognizes the top offensive player in Division I football who is either playing at a university in Texas or is a product of Texas high school football.

Connors enjoyed a breakout season in 2023, leading the Owls in rushing (771 yards), rushing touchdowns (7), and all-purpose yards (1,189) while also catching 43 passes for 403 yards and three scores. His average of 6.4 yards per carry was the highest for a Rice running back with at least 100 carries since Thomas Lott Jr. averaged 6.4 in 2005 (140/902). He closed the season strongly, rushing for 591 yards on 80 carries over his last seven games, and scored a pair of touchdowns in the First Responder Bowl, the first Owl with multiple rushing touchdowns in a bowl game since Dicky Maegle in the 1954 Cotton Bowl.

Connors is also a member of the Doak Walker Award watch list and was named to Athlon Sports Preseason All-AAC first team.

The Watch List announced today will be narrowed to up to 16 semifinalists in November and then up to 5 finalists in December. They will be selected by broadcasters, commentators, journalists, fans, and previous winners. The finalists will be brought to Tyler for The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Banquet scheduled for January 22, 2025.

A player does not have to appear on the initial Watch List to be eligible to win the award. The Watch List is made up of players nominated from their respective schools.

For more information about The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award go to earlcampbellaward.com

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