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Florida football: Gators on national watch lists

By Matthew Clark

GAINESVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 03: Feleipe Franks #13 of the Florida Gators rushes for yardage during the game against the Missouri Tigers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 03: Feleipe Franks #13 of the Florida Gators rushes for yardage during the game against the Missouri Tigers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
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Florida Gators vs Missouri Tigers
COLUMBIA, MO – NOVEMBER 4: Cornerback CJ Henderson #5 of the Florida Gators tries to intercept the ball as wide receiver Johnathon Johnson #12 of the Missouri Tigers is charged with offensive pass interference in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

Several members of the Florida football squad have been named to national award watch lists.

Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks, running back La’Mical Perine, defensive end Jabari Zuniga and defensive back CJ Henderson have been named to several preseason national award watch lists.

While it is very early — as these are the first watch lists of the season — it does speak to the type of team Dan Mullen and Florida football is putting on the field this season.

Franks is on the watch lists for college player of the year (of which he is a long-shot to win) and the best college quarterback (which he has a better shot of winning).

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Perine joins Franks on the college player of the year watch list and the award for best running back in college football. I think Perine — with a breakout season — could be a solid contender for the best running back. However, a lot of that is going to depend on how well the inexperienced offensive line gels and gives him room to run.

Henderson is on the watch list for three top defensive awards and Zuniga is on two of those — including college defensive player of the year. In terms of odds, it is a little tough to gauge, but both are legitimate contenders for each award they are listed for.

Tommie Thompson is on the watch list for the best college football punter while Evan McPherson was named to the watch list for the best placekicker in college football.

Over the next several slides, we will look at each of the watch lists and which Florida football players are on them. As the season progresses, we will continue to assess their chances at winning those awards.

Without further ado …

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