Ball State University Athletics
Malik Dunner, Riley Neal Named to Football Award Watch Lists
July 29, 2018 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. – Running back Malik Dunner and quarterback Riley Neal were the latest Ball State players to see their names added to national football award watch lists on Friday. Dunner was named to the Paul Hornung Award Watch List and Neal made the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List.
Dunner, a native of Carpentersville, Illinois, was a threat all over the field on offense and special teams last season. In 2017, Dunner appeared in all 12 games and led the team in touchdowns (9). He finished second on the team in rushing attempts (74) and fourth in receptions (18). As a kick returner, Dunner ranked second in the Mid-American Conference in kick return average (24.4 yards per return), which included a 93-yard return for a score in the win over UAB on Sept. 9.
The Paul Hornung Award, now in its ninth season, is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football by the Louisville Sports Commission and football legend and Louisville native Paul Hornung. Dunner was one of three MAC players on the initial watch list.
Neal heads into the season ranked fifth on Ball State's all-time passing list (5,476 yards). The Yorktown, Indiana, native was limited to three games in 2017 due to an injury. He completed better than 60 percent of his passes in all three appearances and tallied three touchdown passes in the win over Tennessee Tech on Sept. 16.
The Wuerffel Trophy, known as "College Football's Premier Award for Community Service," is named after 1996 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Danny Wuerffel from the University of Florida. The Wuerffel Trophy is awarded to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) player who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.
Dunner and Neal join junior running back James Gilbert (Maxwell Award), sophomore wide receiver Justin Hall (Biletnikoff Award), junior center Andrew Poenitsch (Rimington Trophy) and sophomore tight end Nolan Givan (John Mackey Award) on preseason watch lists.
Ball State opens preseason practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1. The Cardinals host Central Connecticut State in their season opener on Thursday, Aug. 30.
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State football team, please follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateFB and @BSUCoachNeu.
Dunner, a native of Carpentersville, Illinois, was a threat all over the field on offense and special teams last season. In 2017, Dunner appeared in all 12 games and led the team in touchdowns (9). He finished second on the team in rushing attempts (74) and fourth in receptions (18). As a kick returner, Dunner ranked second in the Mid-American Conference in kick return average (24.4 yards per return), which included a 93-yard return for a score in the win over UAB on Sept. 9.
The Paul Hornung Award, now in its ninth season, is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football by the Louisville Sports Commission and football legend and Louisville native Paul Hornung. Dunner was one of three MAC players on the initial watch list.
Neal heads into the season ranked fifth on Ball State's all-time passing list (5,476 yards). The Yorktown, Indiana, native was limited to three games in 2017 due to an injury. He completed better than 60 percent of his passes in all three appearances and tallied three touchdown passes in the win over Tennessee Tech on Sept. 16.
The Wuerffel Trophy, known as "College Football's Premier Award for Community Service," is named after 1996 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Danny Wuerffel from the University of Florida. The Wuerffel Trophy is awarded to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) player who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.
Dunner and Neal join junior running back James Gilbert (Maxwell Award), sophomore wide receiver Justin Hall (Biletnikoff Award), junior center Andrew Poenitsch (Rimington Trophy) and sophomore tight end Nolan Givan (John Mackey Award) on preseason watch lists.
Ball State opens preseason practice on Wednesday, Aug. 1. The Cardinals host Central Connecticut State in their season opener on Thursday, Aug. 30.
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State football team, please follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateFB and @BSUCoachNeu.
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