Finney Named to Watch List for Rimington Award

Kansas State sophomore center B.J. Finney was one of 51 players nationally and just one of four from the Big 12 named to the 2012 Rimington Award watch list, which recognizes the nation's premiere center, the Boomer Esiason Foundation announced Tuesday.

Finney, who was on the spring watch list for the award, is the fourth Wildcat to be recognized by the committee and the third in the last five years. Nick Leckey was a finalist in 2003, while Jordan Bedore (2008) and Wade Weibert (2010) were both preseason candidates.

As a redshirt freshman in 2011, Finney started all 13 games - including the final 12 at center - as he helped the Wildcats average 193.7 yards rushing.

The Andale, Kan., product also paved the way for Collin Klein's FBS quarterback record 27 rushing touchdowns.

A candidate for the 2011 Burlsworth Trophy honoring the nation's top walk-on, Finney was named a 2011 First Team Freshman All-American and All-Big 12 selection by Rivals.com. The redshirt freshman also earned Second Team All-Big 12 honors from the Kansas City Star and honorable mention All-Big 12 accolades from the Associated Press.

The winner will be unveiled during the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show on December 6, before being honored at the Rimington Trophy Presentation banquet on January 12, 2013, in Lincoln, Neb.