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Three Georgia football players named to award watch lists

By Justin Hubbard

Apr 16, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; General view of Sanford Stadium during the first half of the Georgia Bulldogs Spring Game at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; General view of Sanford Stadium during the first half of the Georgia Bulldogs Spring Game at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Georgia football saw three of its players named to various award watch lists earlier this week.

Related Story: Why Georgia Football won't win the SEC East in 2016

Dominick Sanders was the first Bulldog named to a watch list. The Maxwell Football Club announced on Tuesday the members of the 2016 Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List, and Sanders was included.

Nov 28, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs safety Dominick Sanders (24) returns an interception as Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets offensive lineman Trey Klock (65) tries to make the tackle in the second quarter of their game at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs safety Dominick Sanders (24) returns an interception as Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets offensive lineman Trey Klock (65) tries to make the tackle in the second quarter of their game at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

The senior safety is coming off a great effort in 2015. Sanders had the sixth-most tackles on the team and led the Bulldogs in interceptions with six. He returned those picks for 205 yards – a program record, and fifth-best in SEC history.

The Bednarik Award is given annually to the best defensive player of the year. Semifinalists will be announced on Oct. 31, with finalists being announced Nov. 17. The winner of the award will be announced on Dec. 8 at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show.

On Wednesday, the Rimington Trophy committee announced its watch list, and Georgia’s center, Brandon Kublanow, was included. Kublanow earned AP All-Southeastern Conference Second Team honors after an impressive showing last season.

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The Bulldogs’ center position was up for grabs after the departure of David Andrews, and Kublanow took advantage of it and became the team’s primary snapper. He earned the starting job and helped Georgia’s offensive line continue its dominance. Kublanow has started the last 26 games, so he’s been a consistent contributor, too.

Kublanow figures to be a big part of Georgia’s plans again this year. He’ll know whether or not he won the award, which is doled out to the best collegiate center, when the award winner is announced on Jan. 14.

Jeb Blazevich was the most recent Bulldog named to a watch list.

Oct 4, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs tight end Jeb Blazevich (83) breaks a tackle by Vanderbilt Commodores defensive back Torren McGaster (5) during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs tight end Jeb Blazevich (83) breaks a tackle by Vanderbilt Commodores defensive back Torren McGaster (5) during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

The rising junior was one of only six players from the SEC named to the watch list for the  2016 John Mackey Award, which is given to the best collegiate tight end. The winner will be announced on Dec. 7.

Blazevich had the fifth-most receptions for Georgia last season. He finished with only 144 yards and one touchdown, though. Blazevich could see his production increase in 2016, as new head coach Kirby Smart has said on a number of occasions he wants to get the Bulldogs’ tight ends more involved.

Bulldog Nation is excited to see Georgia players named to these prestigious watch list. Now, it’s up to the players to go win the awards.

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