Nick Marshall, Sammie Coates named to Maxwell Award Watch List

AUBURN -- Both halves of one of the most potent deep-threat combinations in college football last season were recognized, as Auburn's Nick Marshall and Sammie Coates were among the 74 players named to the Maxwell Award Watch List, the Maxwell Football Club announced Monday morning.

The Maxwell Award, named in honor of Robert W. "Tiny" Maxwell, has been given to America's College Player of the Year since 1937.

Marshall threw for 1,976 yards with 14 touchdowns and six interceptions and added 1,068 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns last season. He leads returning SEC quarterbacks in passer efficiency (143.17) and is the first returning starting quarterback for Auburn coach Gus Malzahn in his eight years coaching college.

Coates had 42 receptions for 902 yards and seven touchdowns last season, with 17 catches of more than 20 yards.

Returning Maxwell Award semifinalists from 2013 include Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon, Oregon State quarterback Sean Mannion, Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, Baylor quarterback Bryce Petty and returning Maxwell Award finalist and Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston of Florida State.

The Seminoles have three players on the list, as running back Karlos Williams and wide receiver Rashad Greene join Winston. Three athletes also represent Baylor, Oregon, and USC, and Alabama leads the pack with four.

Alabama's AJ McCarron won the Maxwell Award last season.

Semifinalists for the Maxwell Award will be announced November 3 and the three finalists will be unveiled November 24.

The winner of the 2014 Maxwell Award will be announced as part of the Home Depot College Football Awards Show held on December 11 and the formal presentations of the award will be made at the Maxwell Football Club Awards Gala hosted by Revel Casino Hotel Atlantic City on March 6, 2015.