Arkansas center Jonathan Luigs has been named to the watch list for the 2008 Rimington Trophy, an award presented annually to the nation's top center. Luigs won the 2007 Rimington Trophy and is attempting to become the first player in the award's history to earn the honor multiple times.

Luigs is one of 42 preseason candidates for the award, including one of five candidates from the Southeastern Conference. Luigs was a first-team All-American in 2007 and became the first Razorback to win the nation's top honor for centers. The Little Rock native is only the fourth Razorback to win a national individual award, joining two-time Doak Walker Award winner Darren McFadden (2006, 2007 ) and Outland Trophy winners Bud Brooks (1954 ) and Loyd Phillips (1966 ).

Last season, Luigs blocked for a pair of 1, 000-yard rushers in Doak Walker Award winner Darren McFadden and Doak Walker semifinalist Felix Jones. McFadden was also named as the Walter Camp Player of the Year and as the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. Luigs helped McFadden and Jones become only the second duo in NCAA history to earn 1, 000 yards rushing as teammates in consecutive seasons.

Luigs has started every game of his UA career (37 games ) including 27-consecutive starts at center. He has missed only one game in three years (2005 Alabama ) due to injury. He has paved the way for 37 100-yard rushing efforts in his 37 career games, including 17 100-yard performances in 13 games in 2007.

The winner will be honored at the Rimington Trophy Presentation banquet at the Rococo Theatre in Lincoln, Nebraska on Jan. 17, 2009.

ADVERTISEMENT