COLUMBUS (WSYX/WTTE) — Ohio State center Pat Elflein has been named to the Rimington Trophy watch list for 2016. The award, named for Nebraska great Dave Rimington, goes to the best center in college football each season. Elflein, a Pickerington North graduate who was named a Buckeyes team captain for the 2016 season by coach Urban Meyer, is entering his third season as a starter on the Buckeye offensive line. The season opener against Bowling Green will be Elflein’s first start at center as a Buckeye. A two-time all-Big Ten lineman, Rimington has made 42 appearances at guard for the Buckeyes, including 29 starts. The Rimington has been given out since 2000. Ohio State’s lone Rimington winner is LeCharles Bentley in 2001. Three other OSU players have been added to preseason awards watch lists so far. Quarterback J.T. Barrett is on the list for the Maxwell Award, which is given annually to the college football Player of the Year. Ohio State’s last Maxwell winner was Eddie George, who added the Maxwell to his Heisman in 1995. When Troy Smith won the Heisman in 2006, Notre Dane quarterback Brady Quinn won the Maxwell. Defensive end Tyquan Lewis and linebacker Raekwon McMillan are on the list for the Bednarik Award, recognizing the defensive player of the year in college football. No Buckeye has won the Bednarik.
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